Commas
When should a comma be used when quoting a piece of text?
After an introductory phrase before a quote or between the end of a quote and quotation mark if it is at the beginning of a sentence.
How many sets of quotation marks are used when embedding a quote?
" "
1 set of quotation marks are used when embedding a quote.
Is this written properly? If it is not, rewrite the sentence CORRECTLY:
“ Come home tomorrow or else “ her sister yelled.
It is not written properly.
"Come here tomorrow or else," her sister yelled.
What is a comma?
A piece of punctuation used to separate a quote from the rest of the sentence.
Where do you put a period when embedding a quotation?
If the quote is at the end of the sentence, the period goes inside the quotation marks.
Why do we use quotation marks?
Quotation marks are used to show when something is taken from another piece of text or to show when someone is talking.
Is this written properly? If it is not, rewrite the sentence CORRECTLY:
Ms. O’Brien said, “Please take out your Chromebooks and set your goal."
This sentence is correct.
What is a quotation mark?
Punctuation that is used to mark the beginning and the end of a quoted passage or dialogue.
Why do we use commas when quoting a text?
In most types of dialogue, the quoted material stands apart from the surrounding text.
What might happen if your writing is missing quotation marks?
Multiple answers:
1. We might be accused of plagiarism
2. Our reader might be confused about when dialogue is taking place or when we are quoting a piece of text.
Is this written properly? If it is not, rewrite the sentence CORRECTLY:
In The Outsiders, Ponyboy describes Two-Bit as acting, "boozed up sometimes even when he’s sober” (28)".
This sentence is incorrect.
In The Outsiders, Ponyboy describes Two-Bit as acting "boozed up sometimes even when he’s sober (28)".
What is an introductory or signal phrase?
A group of words that are used to introduce a quoted passage or dialogue.
What is the punctuation rule for commas shown in the sentence below:
John said, “Be quiet.”
The comma is after an introductory phrase.
**Bonus points: The period is inside the quotation marks because the quote is at the end of the sentence.
Place the quotation marks in the correct place.
Ms. Kennedy asked How is your day today Winston?
Ms. Kennedy asked, "How was your day today, Winston?"
Is this written properly? If it is not, rewrite the sentence CORRECTLY:
Yesterday, Ms. O'Brien told me if "Mr. Fraser wins the lottery, he will buy everyone pizza!"
This sentence is written correctly.
What is a speech tag?
A short phrase that indicates (tells us) the author of the quotation and uses verb like “said” or writes
When should you NOT use a comma?
Skip the comma if the quotation is introduced by a conjunction like “that,” “whether,” or “if.”
Ex. Ms. O’Brien constantly tells us that “crocs are the best shoes ever!”
Place the quotation marks in the correct place.
In The Outsiders, Two-Bit states, We couldn’t get along without, so you can just shut up! (pg. 43).
In The Outsiders, Two-Bit states, "We couldn’t get along without, so you can just shut up!" (pg. 43).
Is this written properly? If it is not, rewrite the sentence CORRECTLY:
However, the boy later told his friend that, “help can come from anyone at any time.”
It is not written properly.
However, the boy later told his friend that "help can come from anyone at any time."
What is an action phrase?
A phrase or sentence that describes the actions related to that quote.