Inverted commas (speech marks) go around the exact words someone says. The first spoken word starts with a capital letter.
Punctuation that belongs to the speech goes inside the inverted commas: “Come here,” said Mum. If the speech is a question or an exclamation, use ? or ! inside: “Where are you going?” asked Kim.
When the reporting clause (said Ali) comes first, put a comma before the speech: Ali said, “I am hungry.” Start a new line each time a new person speaks.
Worked example
Punctuate: stop shouted the guard
- The spoken word is Stop, and it is an exclamation.
- Put “Stop!” in inverted commas; shouted stays small.
Answer:“Stop!” shouted the guard.
Key words
- inverted commas
- the marks “ ” around speech
- direct speech
- the exact words someone says
- reporting clause
- words like said Mum
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.3.2c