Quotation Marks

Prepared by Keisha Parris

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.

Placement of Quotation MarksIncorrect:“It is hot outside” said Mum.“It is hot outside”, said Mum.

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

Writing Direct Speech 1. The direct speech can appear first

in the sentence. For example:

“What a beautiful day!” exclaimed Jenna.

2. The direct speech can appear last in the sentence. For example:

Jenna exclaimed, “What a beautiful day!”

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.”

Exercise 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.

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?

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.