4. Mechanics of Dialogue
Use quotation marks “ ” to show the
characters’ own words
Always begin a new paragraph when the
speaker changes
5. Mechanics of Dialogue
Use quotation marks “ ” to show the
characters’ own words.
Always begin a new paragraph when the
speaker changes.
Do not use quotation marks to show that a
character said something.
7. Punctuating Dialogue
Use commas to separate most quotations
from the rest of the sentence.
Example:
“Do you understand,” said Mr. Gray, “that
the problem needs more work?”
8. Punctuating Dialogue
Mr. Gray said, “Do you understand that the
problem needs more work?”
“Do you understand that the problem needs more
work?” said Mr. Gray.
“Do you understand,” said Mr. Gray, “that the
problem needs more work?”
Mr. Gray said that the problem needs more work.
9. The punctuation in dialogue is
always on the left of the quotation
marks.
“Do you understand,” said Mr.
Gray, “that the problem needs
more work?”
10. Punctuating Dialogue Worksheet p. 78
1. Where did you find that he asked in
surprise
2. My report is ready said Travis it is about
rockets.
3. Yesterday he interrupted I wasn’t there
4. John answered open the back door
5. Safe the umpire shouted.
12. Punctuating Dialogue Worksheet p. 78
1. “Where did you find that?” he asked in
surprise.
2. “My report is ready,” said Travis. “It is
about rockets.”
13. Punctuating Dialogue Worksheet p. 78
1. “Where did you find that?” he asked in
surprise.
2. “My report is ready!” said Travis. “It is
about rockets.”
3. “Yesterday,” he interrupted, “I wasn’t
there.”
14. Punctuating Dialogue Worksheet p. 78
1. “Where did you find that?” he asked in
surprise.
2. “My report is ready!” said Travis. “It is
about rockets.”
3. “Yesterday,” he interrupted, “I wasn’t
there.”
4. John answered, “Open the back door!”
15. Punctuating Dialogue Worksheet p. 78
1. “Where did you find that?” he asked in
surprise.
2. “My report is ready!” said Travis. “It is
about rockets.”
3. “Yesterday,” he interrupted, “I wasn’t
there.”
4. John answered, “Open the back door!”
5. “Safe!” the umpire shouted.