QUICK GUIDE TO USING QUOTATION MARKS IN SHORT STORIES

Quotation Marks

Rule #1

Use quotation marks to enclose a person’s exact words. Ashley said, “They went to the store.” – (The “t”

in “they” is capitalized, because it is the first word in the actual quotation.)

“I would like to welcome,” said Mr. Kula, “our guest speaker.” – (The “o” in “our” is lowercase because it is the second part, or continuation of the quotation.) “Yes, you can!” I screamed. CORRECT “Where are we going?” asked Jennifer. CORRECT “I am going to the mall,” said John. CORRECT “Thanks for the gift.” said Jan. INCORRECT

Rule #2

When you write dialogue (a conversation between characters), begin a new paragraph every time the speaker changes. CORRECT Example:

“As a child, did you play with modeling clay?” asked the teacher during study hall.

“I used it for play food,” said Josefina, “when I fed my dolls.”

“That is a neat use for modeling clay. I bet it was very fun, “said the teacher to Josefina.

Rule #3

Use single quotation marks to enclose a quotation within a quotation. Examples:

Jack said to Jill, “I went to the football game yesterday. At the game, everyone shouted, ‘Let’s go big blue!’ I love going to games.”