Practise Using Inverted Commas for Direct Speech

Writers often need or want to include someone's exact words in their writing.  

 

To do this, they use direct speech.

 

When writing direct speech, we need to use particular punctuation so that the reader can understand the writing.

 

We need to use inverted commas at the beginning and end of the speech.  They are sometimes called speech marks.  They go around the words being spoken.

 

"I love playing football," said Sarah.

 

 

We also need to use a piece of punctuation before the closing inverted commas.  When the direct speech comes before a verb, as in the example above, we use a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation mark.  

 

Here are some examples:

"I don't feel well," said John.

"Would you like a glass of water?" she asked.

"Stop right there!" shouted the police officer.

 

 

Sometimes, we may choose to include the direct speech after a verb.  For example:

 

Sarah said, "I love playing football."

 

In this instance, we need to use a comma before the direct speech begins, and a punctuation mark (full stop, question mark or exclamation mark) before the closing inverted commas.  The direct speech must begin with a capital letter.

 

Here are some more examples:

John said, "I don't feel well."

She asked, "Would you like a glass of water?"

The police officer shouted, "Stop right there!"

 

 

There is one final rule to consider when writing direct speech.  Whenever a different person begins to speak, we need to begin a new line. 

Here is a short passage which shows this rule in action:

 

"I'm going to build my house of straw!" exclaimed the first little pig.

"I'm not sure if that is a very good idea," said the second little pig.

The third little pig asked, "What will you use?"

"Sticks of course!" he replied.

 

 

In this activity, you will have a go at writing your own short passage following these rules.