Where To Put The Comma After A Quote
When writing a sentence that includes a quote, it's important to know where to place the comma. Many people struggle with this rule, but it's actually quite simple. In this article, we'll explain when and where to put the comma after a quote.
What Is A Quote?
A quote is a direct or indirect statement made by someone else. It's important to use quotes when writing to support your arguments or to add credibility to your writing. However, when using quotes, you need to be aware of the rules that come with them.
What Are The Rules For Using Commas With Quotes?
There are two main rules when it comes to using commas with quotes:
- If the quote comes before the attribution (who said it), then you need to use a comma before the quote.
- If the attribution comes before the quote, then you don't need to use a comma before the quote.
Examples Of Using Commas With Quotes
Let's take a look at some examples to help illustrate the rules:
- "I have a dream," said Martin Luther King Jr.
- According to Martin Luther King Jr., "I have a dream."
In the first example, the quote comes before the attribution, so we need to use a comma before the quote. In the second example, the attribution comes before the quote, so we don't need to use a comma before the quote.
What About Punctuation Inside The Quote?
When it comes to punctuation inside the quote, it's important to keep it inside the quotation marks. For example:
- "I have a dream," said Martin Luther King Jr.
- "I have a dream!" exclaimed Martin Luther King Jr.
In both of these examples, the punctuation is inside the quotation marks. This is the standard rule for using punctuation with quotes.
Conclusion
Knowing where to put the comma after a quote is an important skill to have when writing. Remember, if the quote comes before the attribution, use a comma before the quote. If the attribution comes before the quote, don't use a comma before the quote. Also, make sure to keep punctuation inside the quotation marks. By following these rules, your writing will be more polished and professional.