Punctuating direct speech

The idea

Put the spoken words inside quotation marks. A reporting clause can come before or after them: separate it with a comma, or use the question or exclamation mark belonging to the speech. Start the quoted sentence with a capital. Styles differ on single and double quotation marks.

Examples

• “The train is late,” said the driver.
• The guide said, “The museum opens at ten.”
• “Where is the key?” asked the guest.
• “Watch the step!” called the neighbour.
• The child whispered, “I found a shell.”
• “Please wait here,” the nurse said.

Watch out

Do not put the reporting clause inside the quotation marks: it describes the speaker rather than what was said.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the answer: The porter said ___ “The lift is working.” (comma / question mark)

   Show answer or example answer

   comma

   comma separates the reporting clause from the quoted statement.

2. Choose the answer: “Is the room ready___” asked the visitor. (comma / question mark)

   Show answer or example answer

   question mark

   question mark belongs to the spoken question.

3. Choose the answer: The reporting clause belongs ___ the quotation marks. (inside / outside)

   Show answer or example answer

   outside

   outside keeps the reporting clause separate from the words spoken.

Use it today

Write one statement and one question with reporting clauses.