1. sweptaway

    sweptaway New Member

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    Period or comma?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by sweptaway, Aug 1, 2013.

    I'm writing a book review and I have a question about punctuation in dialogue. Here's an example of how the book punctuates it:

    "They went that way." He said. The man pointed to the left.

    I was always taught that it should be:

    "They went that way," he said. The main pointed to the left.

    Is the first way acceptable? Every single line of dialogue is like that. I don't want to point it out in my review as an error if it's acceptable, but I have never read a book punctuated that way. I even considered that the author might be from a different country where it's done that way, but even if there is a place like that, she seems to be an American (and with a literature degree).

    Thanks.
     
  2. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    The first is wrong. The way you have been shown (your second example) is the correct way.
     
  3. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    yup!

    i'm guessing the book you're reviewing is a self-published one... at least i hope it is! :rolleyes:
     
  4. sweptaway

    sweptaway New Member

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    Yes, it's self-published. I thought it was so obvious that a comma should be used that I started second-guessing myself. Thanks!
     

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