How To Use Punctuation In Dialogue

Writers Write is a comprehensive writing resource. In this post, we write about how to use punctuation in dialogue.

This is sometimes confusing for beginner writers. However, it is easy to use inverted commas/quotation marks correctly if you know the rules.

It is a poor reflection of your writing skills if you get it wrong.

How To Use Punctuation In Dialogue

Ways to Denote Dialogue

There are generally four accepted ways to show dialogue when you write. They are:

1. Single inverted commas/quotation marks
2. Double inverted commas/quotation marks
3. The dash
4. Nothing

Examples:

1. ‘I’m tired,’ she said.
2. “I’m tired,” she said.
3. -I’m tired, she said.
4.  I’m tired, she said.

We advise against using the ‘nothing’ method when you introduce dialogue. You need to be a skilled writer to get away with this.

If the dialogue stands as a complete sentence, punctuation must be inside the quotes:

1. Dennis wasn’t interested in new evidence. ‘We’ve shown Huff killed her,’ he said. ‘Why are we wasting time?’
2. ‘I can’t believe he did that,’ said Jennifer. ‘Bloody men!’

If the dialogue is a fragment within a complete sentence, punctuation must be outside the quotes:

1. Dennis wasn’t interested in new evidence, adding ‘we’ve shown Huff killed her’, and asking why they were wasting time.
2. I looked at Jennifer in the rear view mirror. She mumbled, ‘bloody men’, turned over and passed out.

Please note that we use UK English at Writers Write. Some of these rules may differ if you use American English. The important thing is to be consistent. Usage also depends on the style guide you use. [Read What Is A Style Guide And Why Do I Need One?]

TOP TIP: Learn to write better dialogue with The Dialogue Workbook

by Amanda Patterson

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4. What is a sentence fragment?
5. That or Which – Which one should I use?
6. Begin at the end – the one essential email trick every business writer should know
7. 11 Common Mistakes Writers Make with Prepositions
8. Punctuation For Beginners: What Is Punctuation?
9. Grammar For Beginners: All About Parts Of Speech

TOP TIP: Learn to write better dialogue with The Dialogue Workbook