Quoted speech, also known as direct speech, uses quotation marks to represent the exact words someone said. Here's a breakdown of the rules:
Core Rule: Quotation Marks
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Enclose the exact words: The primary rule is to enclose the speaker's precise words within quotation marks (" "). Nothing inside the quotation marks should be paraphrased or changed.
- Example: She said, "I am going to the store."
Punctuation within and around Quotations
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Commas and periods inside: In American English, commas and periods typically go inside the closing quotation mark.
- Example: "Let's go," he urged.
- Example: "I need coffee," she stated.
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Question marks and exclamation points inside or outside: If the question mark or exclamation point is part of the quoted speech, it goes inside the quotation marks. If it applies to the entire sentence, it goes outside.
- Example (part of the quote): She asked, "Are you coming?"
- Example (applies to the whole sentence): Did she say, "I'm leaving"?
- Example (part of the quote): He shouted, "Watch out!"
- Example (applies to the whole sentence): I can't believe she said, "I hate pizza"!
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Colons and semicolons outside: Colons and semicolons always go outside the quotation marks.
- Example: He made only one comment: "I'm tired."
- Example: She said, "I'll be there"; however, I doubt she will arrive on time.
Capitalization
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Start with a capital letter: The first word inside the quotation marks should be capitalized, unless it's a continuation of the sentence before the quotation.
- Example: He said, "This is important."
- Example: She explained that she was "very tired" from the trip.
Introducing Quoted Speech
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Use a signal phrase: Often, a signal phrase (also called a speech tag) introduces the quoted speech. Common signal phrases include "he said," "she asked," "they exclaimed," etc.
- Example: The teacher said, "Please be quiet."
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Placement of the signal phrase: The signal phrase can come before, after, or in the middle of the quoted speech. If it comes in the middle, divide the quoted speech into two parts.
- Before: He replied, "I will be there soon."
- After: "I will be there soon," he replied.
- Middle: "I will," he replied, "be there soon."
Using Quotes within Quotes
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Use single quotation marks: If you need to include a quote within a quote, use single quotation marks (' ') for the inner quote.
- Example: She said, "He told me, 'I'm going to the park.'"
Alterations and Omissions
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Use ellipsis (...) to indicate omissions: If you leave out part of the quoted material, use an ellipsis to show where the material has been removed.
- Example: "I went to the store, and then I went home... I was very tired."
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Use brackets ([ ]) to add clarifying information: If you need to add a word or phrase to clarify the quote, use brackets.
- Example: "He said he was going to the [local] store."
In summary, the rules for quoted speech ensure clarity and accuracy in representing what someone has said, maintaining the speaker's original words while providing context.
