Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation-what the speaker

says.

Example

Our team leader says, “I’ll try to practice everyday.”

A directly quoted sentence begins with a capital letter

Example

Mrs. Guider said, “Please get a pencil.”

When the speaker interrupts the quote, the second part of the

quotation begins with a lowercase letter

Example

“Will you take care of my lawn and my pets,” asked Mrs. Anderson, “while I’m on vacation next month?”

When the quote is before the speaker, it is separated by a

comma, question mark or exclamation point but not a period

Example

“No, and I never will!” he said.

When the quote is before the speaker, it is separated by a

comma, question mark or exclamation point but not a period

Example

“I can not wait until spring break,” Dan asked.

When the quote is after the speaker, it is set off by a comma.

Example

Maria asked, “What makes you say that?”

If a quoted sentence is divided, a comma usually follows the first part

of the quote and comes after the speakerExample

“Oh,” Dan commented, “she’s just never had a cat before.”

A period or comma should be placed inside closing quotation

marks

Example

“I love cats!” Jamie said. “I am getting a new one tomorrow.”

A question mark or an exclamation point should be placed inside

closing quotation marks when the quotation itself is a question or an

exclamation.

Example

“What time is your birthday party?” asked Timmy.