1. captken

    captken Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Crystal River, FL

    Another punctuation problem.

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by captken, Mar 15, 2013.

    I finally figured a logical way to an end for a tale I have been working on for over a year. (I seem to always have a half dozen projects going at once.)
    My mind is going a dozen different directions at once right now and I am drawing a blank on how to punctuate one sentence.

    How do I punctuate the following sentence? "May I help you,” he asked? I could reword the question but it seems to sound better this way.
     
  2. JJ_Maxx

    JJ_Maxx Banned

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2012
    Messages:
    3,321
    Likes Received:
    503
    When adding dialogue tags, periods become commas, exclamation points and question marks stay the same.

    "May I help you?" he asked.

    ~ J. J.
     
  3. Nee

    Nee Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2013
    Messages:
    689
    Likes Received:
    24
    "May I help you?” he asked.
     
  4. Nee

    Nee Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2013
    Messages:
    689
    Likes Received:
    24
    .....**Sorry, double post.
     
  5. Ian J.

    Ian J. Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2012
    Messages:
    298
    Likes Received:
    8
    Location:
    London, England
    Remember to keep your exclamation and question marks in the dialogue itself when they apply to the character doing the speaking.

    JJ_Maxx has it right:

    "May I help you?" he asked.

    as against:

    "May I help you," he asked?

    Which actually doesn't make any logical sense. The question and exclamation marks always override any comma or full stop at the end of dialogue in such a situation.
     
  6. captken

    captken Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2012
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Crystal River, FL
    Thanks again. I looked back a few pages in the tale and found a similar situation that was punctuated correctly. Sometimes I draw a blank.
     
  7. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    they're right... ? not ,
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice