Practice Punctuation With Quotation Marks

1. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?Jim said, "I was the one who filled out the damage report."

Yes

No

You can use a comma to introduce a quotation after a standard dialogue tag. Also, it is important to remember to keep the period at the end if the sentence inside the quotations.

Explanation

You can use a comma to introduce a quotation after a standard dialogue tag. Also, it is important to remember to keep the period at the end if the sentence inside the quotations.

2. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?The new intern asked, "Does anyone know how to fix the fax machine?"

Yes

No

Since the question mark applies to the quotation, you would want to place it inside the quotation marks.

Explanation

Since the question mark applies to the quotation, you would want to place it inside the quotation marks.

3. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?And then Boromir said, "One does not simply walk into Mordor."

Yes

No

The comma is necessary to introduce the quote and the period belongs inside the quotation marks.

Explanation

The comma is necessary to introduce the quote and the period belongs inside the quotation marks.

4. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?She explained her "recipe for success:" family support, personal commitment, and a good attitude.

Yes

No

Colons and semicolons always go outside quotation marks.

Explanation

Colons and semicolons always go outside quotation marks.

5. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations? My favorite quote from the show Breaking Bad is when Walt says, "I am the one who knocks, I am the danger."

Yes

No

The sentence correctly uses quotation marks to enclose the direct quote from the show Breaking Bad. The comma is correctly placed inside the quotation marks, and the period is also correctly placed inside the quotation marks, as it is part of the quoted sentence. The capitalization and spelling are also correct.

Explanation

The sentence correctly uses quotation marks to enclose the direct quote from the show Breaking Bad. The comma is correctly placed inside the quotation marks, and the period is also correctly placed inside the quotation marks, as it is part of the quoted sentence. The capitalization and spelling are also correct.

6. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?The regional manager explained "It is important that TPS reports have proper cover sheets".

Yes

No

There are two things wrong with the punctuation with this sentence. First, a comma is required to introduce the quote after a a standard dialogue tag. Second, the period at the end of the sentence should be placed inside the quotation marks.

Explanation

There are two things wrong with the punctuation with this sentence. First, a comma is required to introduce the quote after a a standard dialogue tag. Second, the period at the end of the sentence should be placed inside the quotation marks.

7. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?Brain described his job at the company as "the most important position"; his boss disagreed and fired him.

Yes

No

Colons and semicolons are always placed outside of quotation marks.

Explanation

Colons and semicolons are always placed outside of quotation marks.

8. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?He said, "Michael screamed 'I declare bankruptcy!' "

Yes

No

Make sure to use single quotation marks for quotations within quotations.

Explanation

Make sure to use single quotation marks for quotations within quotations.

9. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations? Who is the president that said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself?"

Yes

No

When the quotation is part of a larger question but not a question itself, the question mark should be placed outside the quotation marks. The quote "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" is a statement, not a question. Therefore, the question mark that pertains to the entire sentence (asking about the identity of the president) should be placed outside the closing quotation mark.

Corrected Sentence:

Who is the president that said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"?

Explanation

When the quotation is part of a larger question but not a question itself, the question mark should be placed outside the quotation marks. The quote "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" is a statement, not a question. Therefore, the question mark that pertains to the entire sentence (asking about the identity of the president) should be placed outside the closing quotation mark.

Corrected Sentence:

Who is the president that said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"?

10. Does the following sentence use correct punctuation with quotations?As stated in the academic report, "Human activities are the main cause of global warming." (33)

Yes

No

When referencing something, make sure to put the period after your reference. So the correct way to punctuate the sentence would be
As stated in the academic report, "Human activities is the main cause of global warming" (33).

Explanation

When referencing something, make sure to put the period after your reference. So the correct way to punctuate the sentence would be
As stated in the academic report, "Human activities is the main cause of global warming" (33).