What are the rules for using quotation marks in reported speech?

Reported Speech Questions Medium



74 Short 67 Medium 44 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What are the rules for using quotation marks in reported speech?

The rules for using quotation marks in reported speech are as follows:

1. When directly quoting someone's words, use double quotation marks (" ").
Example:
She said, "I will be there at 5 o'clock."

2. When reporting someone's words without using their exact words, do not use quotation marks.
Example:
She said she would be there at 5 o'clock.

3. If the reported speech contains a quote within it, use single quotation marks (' ') for the inner quote.
Example:
He said, "She told me, 'I can't make it tonight.'"

4. If the reported speech is a question or exclamation, use the appropriate punctuation within the quotation marks.
Example:
She asked, "Are you coming?"

5. If the reported speech is a statement, use a comma before the quotation marks.
Example:
He said, "I am going to the store."

6. If the reported speech is divided into multiple paragraphs, start each paragraph with an opening quotation mark and end each paragraph with a closing quotation mark.
Example:

She said, "I had a great time at the party. The food was delicious and the music was fantastic. I can't wait for the next one!"

Remember to follow these rules to accurately convey reported speech using quotation marks.