Confused About Direct Quotations...Help! (please)

[ShutterBug]

Okay, I'm confused.

 

We're learning about how to use direct quotations in a sentence.

 

My question is about where to put commas when using a direct quotation.

 

The textbook says, "A comma is placed between the speaker's words and the other words in the sentence."

 

Okay, I get that, easy enough.

 

They then go on to give examples..

 

Samantha said, "I love horses."

 

"That apple is juice," said Anthony.

 

Elijah asked, "Where are you going?"

 

BUT THEN there are examples where they DON'T use the comma to separate the speaker's words and the other words in the sentence.

 

For example...

 

"Look at that bull!" exclaimed Jane.

 

"Go!" yelled Percy.

 

Ds's dictation today in WWE was the same thing...

 

"Where does she live?" asked the wolf.

 

Sooooooo does anyone know the "rule" for when to use the comma to separate and when not to?

 

Thanks so much in advance!!!!

 

Jenn

[TKDmom]

 

Sooooooo does anyone know the "rule" for when to use the comma to separate and when not to?

 

Thanks so much in advance!!!!

 

Jenn

 

You put the punctuation mark immediately before the quotation marks. You wouldn't use a comma if there is already another mark of punctuation, like a question mark or an exclamation point.

[Kuovonne]

BUT THEN there are examples where they DON'T use the comma to separate the speaker's words and the other words in the sentence.

 

Notice that in these examples there is another punctuation mark ending the speaker's words: an exclaimation point or a question mark. Those end marks are retained instead of being converted to a comma (vs. a period).

[Dana]

Use the comma if you'd have a period in the sentence and are continuing with additional information.

 

"She ran next door," said Larry.

 

If it's other punctuation, you'd use that.

 

"Run! It's a bomb!" yelled James.