eLearning "Quotation Punctuation"

Review the following materials, and then complete the quiz.

Proper Punctuation – Quotes

When you’re writing something that is a direct quote, meaning that it is the exact words that someone spoke, you need to use double quotation marks. Using them properly can be a little tricky, so remember these rules.

If you start by telling who said it, use a comma and then the first quotation mark.

• • Taylor said, “You can’t be serious.”

If you put the quote first and then tell who said it, use a comma at the end of the sentence, and then the second quotation mark.

• • “I had no idea it was so late already,” said Jenna.

Punctuation always goes inside the quotation marks if it is a direct quote. If you use an exclamation point of a question mark, do not use a comma.

• • “It’s great!” he exclaimed.
  • She asked her mother quietly, “Is it time for bed?”

If you quote someone within a quote, use single quotation marks and follow the same rules.

• • He began to tell us the story, “As soon as I walked in the room the principal said, ´You’ve been here a lot lately John,” so I just sat there quietly.”

If you are writing a story, every time a new speaker is talking, start a new paragraph.

• • “Good morning,” I said as I came down the stairs.
  • “Good morning,” said my mother.
  • “Is it nice outside?” I asked
  • “It’s a beautiful day,” she answered with a smile.