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This guide outlines key rules for punctuating dialogue effectively. Rule #1 emphasizes indenting for each new speaker, ensuring clarity in conversations. Rule #2 clarifies that only spoken words appear within quotation marks. Rule #3 introduces speaker tags, such as “said” and “asked,” to identify who is speaking. Subsequent rules detail punctuation placement around quotes, including commas, periods, and other marks. Proper dialogue punctuation enhances readability and engagement for readers, making this guide an invaluable resource for writers.
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Rule #1 • Indent for each new speaker (New speaker = New paragraph)
Rule #1 - Examples “Wow, look at all these,” Nancy said. Lots of festivals and holidays were listed. We crowded around to read the book. “Hey, National Mustard Day!” Hannie said, giggling. “Blech,” Timmy said. “I hate mustard.” “Look,” Melody said as she reached across the book. “There is a National Clown Week!”
Rule #2 • Only the exact words of the speaker go inside quotation marks.
Rule #2 - Examples • “Wow, look at all these,” Nancy said. • “Hey, National Mustard Day!” Hannie said, giggling. • “Blech,” Timmy said. “I hate mustard.” • “Look,” Melody said as she reached across the book. “There is a National Clown Week!”
Rule #3 • The words used to identify the speaker are called speaker tags or tag lines. • Words like: • said • replied • screamed • exclaimed • whimpered
Rule #3 - Examples • whimpered • whined • whispered • wondered • yelled • screamed • screeched • shouted • sighed • snarled • sobbed • nagged • pleaded • promised • questioned • remembered • replied • requested • interrupted • laughed • lied • mumbled • bragged • complained • confessed • cried • demanded • denied • giggled • acknowledged • admitted • agreed • answered
There are Three Types of Tag Lines • Before the quote • Bob said, “Welcome to my home.” • After the quote • “Welcome to my home,” said Bob. • In the Middle of the quote • “Welcome,” said Bob, “to my home.” • “Welcome to my home,” said Bob. “Please come in.”
Rule #4a – Before the Quote the comma always follows the tag line and the beginning letter of the quote is always capitalized • Example: Jon asked, “Where did everyone go?” • Example: Mary said, “I don’t want to.” • Example: Sue exclaimed, “I’m so happy!”
Rule #4b – After the Quote • The ending punctuation after the actual quote (before the tag line) can never be a period • “Every one decided to go,” said John. • If the sentence would normally end with a period, substitute a comma. • An exception to this rule is end marks for questions and exclamations • “Where did everyone go?” asked John.
Rule #4b - Examples • yes please i said in my most grown-up voice • i see said ms. brown with a big smile • this is an almanac she explained
Rule #4ci – In the Middle of the Quote • In between two separate sentences (quotes): • a period follows the tag line and the beginning of the second sentence (quote) is capitalized. • Example: “I have a dog,” said Jane. “Do you have any pets?”
Rule #4ci - Examples • look melody said as she reached across the book there is a national clown week • pies are not just for thanksgiving karenlinny said my mom makes pies all the time • timmy and I got these great aviator sunglasses scott said we look like real pilots
Rule #4cii – In the Middle of the Quote • When the tag line splits one sentence (quote) into two parts: • a comma follows the first part of the quote and the tag line • Example: “I have two dogs,” said Jane, “that fight all the time.”
Rule #4cii - Examples • kids will ring the bell i said and they will say the sun is hot and the sky is blue • I love to dance said jill because performing is fun
