This short presentation includes the correct usage and placement of quotation marks.

1. Prepared by Keisha Parris

2. Quotation marks always come after a
comma or other punctuation mark.
Quotation marks surround the direct
(spoken) speech only. The words which tell
the reader who is speaking are called the
reporting words.

3. Incorrect:
“It is hot outside” said Mum.
“It is hot outside”, said Mum.
Correct:
“It is hot outside,” said Mum.

4. 1. The direct speech can appear first in the
sentence. For example:
“What a beautiful day!” exclaimed Jenna.

5. 2. The direct speech can appear last in the
sentence. For example:
Jenna exclaimed, “What a beautiful day!”

6. 3. Sometimes the reporting words appear
between two sets of direct speech. For
example:
“Go to the sink,” said Mrs. Dale, “and wash
your hands.”

7. Insert quotation marks in the appropriate
places. Insert capital letters where they are
needed.
1. Has morning come already? asked
Nicholas.
2. Michael, who did not know the way, asked,
does Jessica live here?
3. That’s the judge, said Alice, because of his
robe.

8. 4. I can run faster than any boy in this
school, boasted Errol.
5. Come along, shouted Peter, we have a
long way to go!
6. The teacher looked up and asked angrily,
John Simpson, why did you throw that
object?

9. 7. Does Mrs. Phillips live here? inquired
Allan.
8. What do you mean, growled Scrooge, by
coming here at this time of day?
9. Janet went to her aunt and whispered,
May I have another slice of cake?
10. Have the bigger mango, Ann insisted.