Quotation Marks

1. Quotation Marks

2. Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation- a person’s exact words. • Our team leader says, “I try to practice every day.” • “Let’s go home,” Jeanne suggested.

3. Do not use quotation marks for an indirect quote- a rewording of a direct quotation. • Juan said that the bus was late. • Juan asked whether the bus was late.

4. A directly quoted sentence begins with a capital letter. • Mrs. Talbott said, “Please get a pencil.” • Kristina asked, “Is it my turn?”

5. When an expression identifying the speaker interrupts a quoted sentence, the second part of the quotation begins with a lowercase letter. • “Will you take care of my lawn and my pets,” asked Mr. Franklin, “while I’m on vacation next month?”

6. When the second part of a divided quotation is a new sentence, it begins with a capital letter. • “Yes, we will,” I said. “We can use the extra money.”

7. A direct quotation can be set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation mark, but not by a period.

8. If a quotation comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma, a question mark, or exclamation point usually follows it. • “Dogs make better pets than cats do,” said Frank. • “Have you ever had a cat?” Donna asked. • “No, and I never will!” he replied.

9. If a quotation comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually comes before it. • Maria asked, “What makes you say that?”

10. If a quoted sentence is divided, a comma usually follows the first part and comes before the second part. • “Oh,” Donna commented, “he’s probably just saying that because he’s never had a cat.”