Rule 1 - Direct speech must be enclosed in inverted commas, e.g. He said, 'It's hot in here.' Rule 2 - Start a new paragraph whenever you change speakers in a dialog. Rule 3 - Enclose a comma, period, question mark, or exclamation mark at the end of the direct speech INSIDE the closing inverted comma(s), e.g. 'Do I know you?' he asked. Rule 4 - Place a comma BEFORE the first inverted comma(s) to introduce the direct speech if the direct speech comes after a named speaker, e.g. She said, 'I like strawberries.' Rule 5 - If the direct speech is split up by a named speaker: put a comma,... Show more

• Rule 1 - Direct speech must be enclosed in inverted commas, e.g. He said, 'It's hot in here.'
• Rule 2 - Start a new paragraph whenever you change speakers in a dialog.
• Rule 3 - Enclose a comma, period, question mark, or exclamation mark at the end of the direct speech INSIDE the closing inverted comma(s), e.g. 'Do I know you?' he asked.
• Rule 4 - Place a comma BEFORE the first inverted comma(s) to introduce the direct speech if the direct speech comes after a named speaker, e.g. She said, 'I like strawberries.'
• Rule 5 - If the direct speech is split up by a named speaker: put a comma, question mark or exclamation mark to end the first part and a period or another comma before the inverted comma(s) of the second part, e.g. 'You’re very knowledgeable,' he said. 'It's a pleasure to listen to you.' 'Now I come to think of it,' he said, 'I didn’t see him yesterday.'

Show less