FORM: 60. Punctuating dialogue

FORM:

60. Punctuate dialogue:

Place a comma within the quotation marks before indicating who is speaking.

Correct:

“I think I should study more,” the girl said.

Place a comma before the dialogue when the speaker is introduced first:

Correct:

The girl said, “I think I should study more.”

Place punctuation pertinent to the dialogue within the quotation marks.

Correct:

“I think,” the girl said, “I should study more.”

Each new speaker requires a new line of text.

Correct:

“I want to marry Sylvia,” Norman said.

“ Yes, it is a beautiful day….beautiful day in Montana,” Paul returned.

“You can come with us to Chicago after we get married, “ Norman pleaded.

“Oh, I’ll never leave Montana, brother,” Paul said.