There are four patterns of direct speech.
The direct speech comes first, followed by narration.
“She was going to do her homework, but she forgot,” said Jack.
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- The first word being spoken begins with a capital letter.
- There is a comma before the final speech marks, not a full stop.
- The full stop comes at the end of the entire sentence.
The narration is first, followed by the direct speech.
Tom asked, “Did you see my phone on the bus?”
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- There is a comma before the speech marks and the words being spoken.
- The first word of the words being spoken begins with a capital letter.
- The final punctuation mark comes before the speech marks.
Direct speech is broken up by narration.
“He thought,” yelled Robert, “he was going to get away with not doing any work!”
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- There is a comma before the speech marks.
- The narration does not begin with a capital letter.
- There is a comma before the speech marks.
- As this is a continuation of the words being spoken, a capital letter is not needed here.
- The final punctuation mark comes before the speech marks.
There is only direct speech and no narration. However, it is important to remember that this should only be used once the speakers are established.
“Quick! Get out of there!”
Remember to start a new paragraph each time a different character begins to speak.
Here are some examples for you to practise. Rewrite each sentences inserting speech marks and any other punctuation that is necessary.
- do you often drink tea he asked
- she asked can I have a bag of chips please
- after the football said Amanda we’ll go and have tea
- I’m really fed up with you the teacher snapped so I think I’ll send you to see the headmaster
- I think said Barry I’ll give up my season ticket
- can we go home now Linda pleaded Simon
- do you like my new haircut Nigel asked hesitantly
- how are you today asked my grandmother the last time I saw you, you weren’t feeling well
- please said the salesman take it for a test drive
- do you have this the rather large gentleman asked in a larger size
- we are going to the movies said Lisa
- the boy asked if I get home early can I watch TV
- after we eat dinner said Mary we have to go home
- there’s a big spider behind you screamed Elizabeth
- is it time to go home yet Chris moaned Tom
- in the end thought Eric it’s good that I brought my phone
- is that my hat wondered Rick
- Belinda asked her brother have you seen my gloves
- this homework is hard complained Bella but I’m going to get it done
- direct speech is driving me crazy exclaimed Nina