Quotation Marks

When do you use quotation marks?

Quotation marks are used when you write someone’s exact words.

“ Be sure you are right, than go ahead.” These exact words were spoken by David Crockett during the War of 1812.

Where do you place quotation marks?

Quotation marks are placed before the first word and after the last word of a direct quotation.

“If elected, I shall see to it that every man has a square meal, no less and no more.” Theodore Roosevelt, 1904

REMEMBER:Always put commas inside quotation marks.

“I don’t remember where I put my pen,” said George.

REMEMBER:When a quotation mark ends a sentence, put the period inside the quotation mark.

Martha said, “I hope this wind doesn’t blow me away.”

REMEMBER:Place exclamation points and question marks inside the quotes only if they are part of the quote.

Mr. Cobb asked, “Do you hear me now, boys and girls?”

Who said, “Riding a unicycle is easy”?

“Hey, that pencil sharpener just ate my pencil!” Mark screamed.

REMEMBER:Sometimes a quote is divided by explanatory words such as he said or she asked. If the sentence is divided, the explanatory words are followed by a comma. If the second part is a new sentence, use a period after the explanatory words.

“Hey, mister,” said the policeman, “stop immediately!”

“Dinner is ready,” said Fred. “Who wants to eat?”

REMEMBER:Begin a new paragraph for each new speaker’s words.

“I couldn’t start my car this morning,” said Ann.

“Do you need a ride home? I’m going to the barber near your house,” said Jack.