Punctuation Review

Rules of Grammar

Rules for Periods

Use a period at the end of a complete sentence. Use periods (decimal points) with money and percentages.
$2.13 3.25%

Use periods after initials

George W. Bush David A. Paap

Rules for Periods

Use periods in some abbreviations:

Months: Jan. Feb. Days: Mon. Tues. Titles: Gov. Sen. Dr. Mr. M.D. Addresses: Ave. St. Rd. Measurements: lb. oz. hr. min. Countries: U.S. U.K.

When all the letters are capital letters, periods are usually not used: CIA YMCA

Rules for Periods

Dont use a period at the end of a sentence that already ends with an abbreviation.
Bob woke up at 7 A.M. (Using question marks and exclamation are okay after an abbreviation) Bob woke up at 7 A.M.! Bob woke up at 7 A.M.?

Rules for Question Marks

Use a question mark after a question.

This is not difficult, is it?

Use a question mark to indicate uncertainty or doubt.

The author of this book lived from 1810(?) to 1895.

(This shows that you are not positive the exact date.)

Rules for Question Marks

In a polite request (when no answer is required), the question mark is often omitted even though the sentence is phrased like a question. Use it or dont use it it is your choice.
Would you please bring us the remote? Would you please bring us the remote.
Both examples are correct

Rules for Exclamation Points

Use an exclamation point after exclamations to show: Delight: Wow! Nice catch! Urgency: Please help me! Anger: Drop dead! Surprise: I cant believe its you! Distress: Oh, no! This cant be right! Excitement: I got an A! Intensity: I love you! Loud noises: Crash! Bang! Strong Commands: Stop! Dont move!

Rules for Exclamation Points

Is it a question or an exclamation? Sometimes a sentence can go either way.

How could you do that? How could you do that!

It depends on what you are trying to convey to the reader.

Rules for Exclamation Points

Some people use exclamation points all the time! It makes their writing look hyper active! Its even worse to use lots of exclamations!! - oh, no, not the double exclamations!! Never use double exclamation points in formal writing. In fact, dont use many exclamation points at all.

Rules for Commas

Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that introduces an independent clause (thats the clause that can stand alone).
Coordinating conjunctions are:

and, but, for, or, so, yet, nor

For example, combining two independent clauses with a conjunction usually needs a comma.

Rules for Commas

Independent clause combinations:

I hurried to the store. I bought a bag of Doritos. I hurried to the store, and I bought a bag of Doritos.
Notice that there are two independent clauses being connected. A dependent and an independent clause does not use a comma. I hurried and bought a bag of Doritos.

I hurried (independent clause) bought a bag of Doritos (dependent clause).

Rules for Commas

When you have two short independent clauses and you are using a conjunction, you may use a comma or not.
Kate slept late, but Jen got up early. Kate slept late but Jen got up early.

Rules for Commas

Use a comma after conjunctive adverbs (those are adverbs working as conjunctions they link two sentences and show how the two are related).
Conjunctive adverbs include: however, furthermore, indeed, meanwhile, nevertheless, therefore, unfortunately

Rules for Commas

Conjunctive adverb example:

I thought I made a C+ on the test, however, I made a B-. I didnt study very much, nevertheless, I made a good grade. I might not be so lucky next time; therefore, I am going to study right now!

Rules for Commas

Use a comma after most introductory phrases and clauses.

Since I forgot my combination, I could not open my locker.
Since I forgot is an introductory clause and I could not open my locker is an independent clause.

Rules for Commas

Introductory clause examples:

In spite of the fact that all the evidence supported his guilt, he plead innocent. Being one who believes in punctuality, I am never late to an appointment.

Short introductory clauses dont necessarily have to have a comma.

In May, I will be graduating. In May I will be graduating.
Both sentences are grammatically correct.

Rules for Commas

Be careful when using introductory clauses and phrases. Dont confuse the reader by forgetting an important comma.
After eating my cat hiccups.
How does your cat taste?

After eating, my cat hiccups.

After eating is the introductory clause and my cat hiccups is the independent clause.

Rules for Commas

Use commas to emphasize an adverb.

Tori ran fast and got home before her mother. (This sentence is correct.) Tori ran, fast, and got home before her mother. (This sentence is also correct and adds more emphasis on how she ran.)

Rules for Commas

Use commas when adjectives come after the noun.

My car, waxed and polished, will surely impress my girlfriend. The football players, tired and dirty, celebrated their victory. Mr. Smiths cat, hungry and scared, meowed from the top of the tree.

Rules for Commas

Use commas in a list.

He studied French, Spanish, and Russian. Please buy milk, bread, peanut butter, and eggs from the store. When I go on vacation, I like playing golf, skiing, and snorkeling. He had to hike down the hill, fetch the pail of water, and then hike back home.

Rules for Commas

Use a comma with cities and states. Always separate the city from the state and the state from everything else.
My wife is in St. Cloud, Minnesota, visiting her grandmother. We went to Omaha, Nebraska, for Thanksgiving.

Rules for Commas

Use commas with addresses. Notice there is no comma between the state and the zip code.
She lives at 2055 E. Caballero, San Diego, California 90214.

Rules for Commas

Use commas in numbers over 999.

2,140 1,214,000 1,214,435,667,210

Rules for Commas

Use commas with direct quotations (what someone says).

I saw Foo Fighters, yelled John, last night at the amphitheater! Im not afraid of the dark, whispered Bobby, Im almost eight years old. Jane cried, I lost my homework for Geometry!

Rules for Commas

Do not use commas with indirect quotations (stating what someone said, not necessarily using his/her exact words).
Sarah said that she wanted to go to the movies tonight. Bobby whispered that he wasnt afraid of the dark any more because he is eight years old.

Rules for Commas

Use commas when speaking directly to someone (this is called a direct address).
Keith, it is time to go. Ive told you three times, boys and girls, to do your homework. If you dont believe me, Janet, go ask Mrs. Turner.

Rules for Commas

Use commas with dates.

Note: Separate the day from the year and the year from the rest of the sentence.

Madalyn was born on November 1st, 2005, at 8:48 A.M. On March 22nd, 2008, the new tax laws will go into effect. We will move on January 14th, 2006, to our new house.

Rules for Commas

Use a comma before and/or after an interjection.

Interjections are the only words that add emotion to the writing and can be eliminated completely without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Wow, what a beautiful sunset. No, I dont really want to see that movie. I told Ryan that, yes, I would go to the dance with him. I dont like salad, heck, I dont like any vegetables.

Rules for Commas

Use commas between consecutive adjectives (two or more in a row) describing the same noun.
It was a cold, dark, dreary night.

Use a comma whenever the word and would sound right between the adjectives. Cold and September describe the same noun, but it wouldnt sound right to say, cold and September night.

It was a cold September night.

Rules for Commas

Another trick for determining if your adjectives needs a comma or not is to reverse the order of the adjectives. If it sounds right, use a comma.
It was a cold, dark, dreary night. It was a dark, dreary, cold night. I bought blue tennis shoes. (This sounds right.) I bought tennis, blue shoes. (This doesnt sound right.) NOTE: DONT PUT COMMAS BEFORE NOUNS!

Rules for Commas

Use commas before and after parenthetical expressions.

Parenthetical expressions are words inserted into a sentence giving information or thoughts that are not absolutely essential.

I reminded my mom, in case she forgot, that I wanted an Xbox 360 for my birthday. They usually cost, if you get a good deal, about $150. Since she is the best mom in the world, at least thats what I tell her to get what I want, I know shell buy me one.

Rules for Commas

Use commas after greetings and before closing in friendly letters.

Greetings Dear Shannon, Hello Sweetheart, Closings Sincerely, Love,

Rules for Commas

Use a comma to show that two parts of a sentence are being contrasted.
Im going out with Ken, not Ron. Its a book, not a movie. I really wanted the Xbox, not the Playstation.

Rules for Commas

Use commas with titles when they come after (but not before) the persons name.
Steven Miller, Ph.D., is the pediatric doctor on call tonight. Dr. Miller is the pediatric doctor on call tonight.

Rules for Commas

Use commas before and after appositives (an appositive explains who or what the noun is).
Our Principal, Mrs. Griffin, gave a speech at the assembly. Katie Stevens, the best ballerina in the performance, shone as the star of the evening.

Rules for Commas

Use commas to indicate omitted words.

I ordered pizza, Amanda lasagna. Tonight I will work on English, tomorrow Math.

Rules for Colons

Use a colon when you want to say here comes an example or heres what Im talking about.
Theres only one sport for me: alligator wrestling. This sentence is grammatically correct: I wonder if wolves actually wolf down their pizzas the way I wolf down mine.
Colons are used to give examples that directly relate to the sentence.

Rules for Colons

Use a colon before some lists.

A colon is needed before these phrases: these are, there are, the following, as follows, such as, or these things. My favorite sports are the following: baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and every other game thats played with a ball.

Rules for Colons

Dont use a colon if a list comes right after a verb.

The ingredients are: flour, eggs, sugar, and milk. (THIS SENTENCE IS WRONG.) The ingredients are flour, eggs, sugar, and milk. (THIS SENTENCE IS CORRECT.)

These are the ingredients: flour, eggs, sugar, and milk. (THIS SENTENCE IS CORRECT.)

Rules for Colons

Dont use a colon after a preposition.

I want to travel to: New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Montreal. (Incorrect) I want to travel to New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Montreal. (Correct) I want to travel to the following cities: New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Montreal. (Correct)

Rules for Colons

Use a colon before subtitles of books, articles, chapters, etc.

The title of the book is Bill Gates: Man of the Year.

Use a colon with expressions of time.

Its 12:15 P.M. His record for the mile is 4:06:27.

Rules for Colons

Use a colon in the greeting part of a formal letter or business letter.

To Whom It May Concern: Dear Senator McCain:

Use a colon in literary references between volume and page or between chapter and verse.
John 3:16 [the book of John, chapter 3, verse 16] Encyclopedia Brittanica IV:425 [volume 4, page
425]

Rules for Colons

Use a colon with ratios.

The bill passed with a 3:1 vote.

Use colons to indicate dialogue when youre writing a play or script.

Henry: I cant believe its not butter. Janet: It has less fat than sour cream. Henry: But it taste so good.

Rules for Colons

Use a colon before a long, formal quotation. Governor Smith stated to the press: I think that children should study grammar for at least six hours a day. Learning to speak and write correctly is far more important than anything else including eating. In fact, I believe that eating is a complete waste of valuable time. Then he said, April Fools!

Rules for Colons

Use a colon after words such as caution, wanted, or note.

Caution: wet floor. Wanted: interior designer specializing in abstract art. Note: Colons have specific uses.

Rules for Colons

Capitalize the first word after a colon if it begins a complete sentence and if you want to. Either way is okay as long as it is a complete sentence.
Caution: There are workers present. Caution: there are workers present.

Rules for Semicolons

A semicolon is stronger than a comma but slightly weaker than a period.

Use a semicolon between two sentences that are very closely related.
My family is Jewish. We celebrate Chanukah but not Christmas. My family is Jewish; we celebrate Chanukah but not Christmas.
(Being Jewish and celebrating Chanukah are very closely related, and that relationship is emphasized by putting them in the same sentence.)

Rules for Semicolons

Only use a semicolon between two complete sentences that are closely related.
My family is Jewish; not Christian. (This sentence is incorrect because not Christian is a fragment, not a complete sentence.) My family is Jewish, not Christian.

Rules for Semicolons

Use a semicolon before however and similar words (these words are called conjunctive adverbs) that show a relationship between two complete sentences.
I bet you thought you wouldnt have to learn another semicolon rule; however, you were wrong. I bet you thought you wouldnt have to learn another semicolon rule. However, you were wrong.

Rules for Semicolons

Use semicolons between clauses or phrases that contain a lot of commas.

Wesley likes books about baseball, biplanes, and bagels, Brian likes books about antique cars, blimps, and rare fish, and Tori likes books about racehorses, dolls, and military jets. This sentence is very confusing and sounds choppy.

Rules for Semicolons

Wesley likes books about baseball, biplanes, and bagels; Brian likes books about antique cars, blimps, and rare fish; and Tori likes books about racehorses, dolls, and military jets. The semicolons in this sentence helps the reader to understand what ideas go together.

Rules for Semicolons

Use semicolons in lists that contain commas as part of the listed material.
I want to visit Atlanta, Georgia; San Diego, California; Washington, D.C.; and Denver, Colorado.

Rules for Parentheses

Use parentheses to set off parenthetical expressions from the main part of the sentence.
A parenthetical expression is a by-the-way information (inserted in the middle of a sentence, like this) that isnt absolutely necessary. Parenthetical expressions can include: explanations, translations, clarifications, feelings, jokes or puns, opinions, or lists.

Rules for Parentheses

Examples of parenthetical expressions:

The academic year (this year thats August 20-June 13) includes 180 school days. I paid 40 German marks (about $25) for dinner. The town where I live (Phoenix) is in the central part of Arizona. School is canceled (yippee!) today. Were having chocolate mousse (no, not chocolate moose) for dessert. Were all out (and I hope well remain out) of livermush. Some of my cousins (Bill, Kristen, David, Robin, Melissa, and Kacey) were at my party.

Rules for Parentheses

Dont over use parentheses by including everything but the kitchen sink!

My next-door neighbor (her name is Tori, just like my cousin) bought a new car (I think its a Mazda, but Im not sure; I like Mazdas) last week (on Friday, the day right after my birthday, in fact) and took me for a ride to Ericas house (she was getting ready for her trip to California) right after she got home (she had had a long day at work) with it (the car, I mean-not the long day at work!). THIS IS A HORRIBLE SENTENCE!

Rules for Parentheses

Punctuating parentheses can be difficult. Pay attention to punctuation. Rule of thumb, punctuate the sentence just like you would without parentheses and punctuate the parentheses without the sentence then insert the parentheses into the sentence.

Rules for Parentheses

Examples of punctuating parentheses:

When Im hungry (like now), all I can think about is food. I took my girlfriend out to dinner (if you can call splitting a hot dog dinner). Im angry (really angry!) about you going to the movie without me. What a scary movie (Saw)! Im sad (that doesnt surprise you, does it?) about you going to the movie without me. Did you enjoy the movie (did you stay awake through it?)?

Rules for Brackets

Use brackets to insert one parenthetical comment inside another parenthetical comment.
It is usually better, however, to rewrite sentences with too many parenthetical comments.
My new mountain bike (which cost me $500 [my entire savings!]) weighs only 23 pounds.

Rules for Brackets

Use brackets to insert explanations or instructions that are not actually part of the sentence.
The correct way to write the sentence is: Each [singular subject] of the boys is [singular verb] here.

Rules for Brackets

Use brackets to insert your own editorial comments into quoted material.

The brackets say these are my words, not the quoted persons words.

Mike said, We all want Z-man [Joshua Zinn] to pitch for our team. The young man said, I was born in 1930 [?] in Ohio.

Rules for Dashes

Use a dash to link two parts of a sentence.

Always hook your seatbelt its the law.

I gave you my last $20, so dont waste it. (using a comma works, but is not as strong as a
dash.)

I gave you my last $20 so dont waste it.

Rules for Dashes

Use dashes to emphasize by-theway, parenthetical expressions.

My grandmother bought me a puppy an adorable little bulldog! for my birthday. Ive lived in Portland the one in Oregon, not Maine all my life

Rules for Dashes

Use a dash for clarity and emphasis.

Finally Robin fell exhausted into bed on top of the cat. (Confusing) Finally Robin fell exhausted into bed on top of his cat!

Rules for Dashes

Use a dash to set off a long appositive (a description of who or what the subject is) or an appositive with lots of commas.
I love Beaver Creek, a small ski area in Colorado with long, challenging runs.

This sentence is correct, but weak.

I love Beaver Creek a small ski area in Colorado with long, challenging runs.

Rules for Dashes

Examples:
My best friend, Mike, is here.

(Correct and effective)

My best friends, Mike, Kevin, Brian, and Paul, are here.

(Confusing and cluttered)

My best friends Mike, Kevin, Brian, and Paul are here.

(Easier to understand and more effective)

Rules for Dashes

Use a dash in dialogue to show hesitation or a break in the flow of the sentence.
Parker said, I definitely studied enough for the test or I think I studied enough I probably studied nearly enough-well, I hope I studied enough.

Rules for Dashes

Use a dash to sum up a list or idea.

Red, white, and blue those are the American colors. Victory thats the name of the game.

Parenthetical Phrases

Should you use parentheses, commas, or dashes in parenthetical phrases?

Think of parentheses as hiding information (deemphasizing it) while dashes highlight information emphasizing it. Think of commas as being matter-of-fact, neither highlighting nor hiding information. If the parenthetical information is very closely related to the sentence, commas are usually better. If the parenthetical information is not so closely related, dashes and parentheses are usually better.

Parenthetical Phrases

Using parenthetical phrases is a tool. It depends on what you are trying to get across to the reader, how do you want the sentence to sound.
The tennis team (especially Jim) played great. The tennis team, especially Jim, played great. The tennis team especially Jim played great. Notice the different way each sentence sounds and the tone that it creates.

Rules for Hyphens

Use hyphens in some compound words (two or more separate words that we think of as one unit).
Be careful this is tricky territory! Theres no absolute rule for when to use one word, two words, or a hyphen, so check your dictionary.

Is it cheerleader, cheer leader, or cheerleader? All are correct.

Rules for Hyphens

Sometimes spelling words as one word, two words, or hyphenated are all correct. Use a good dictionary. But most importantly, be consistent; if you use the spelling with (or without) a hyphen in the beginning, use the same spelling throughout your paper.

Rules for Hyphens

Use a hyphen with some prefixes, especially all-, co-, ex-, half-, great-, numbers, and capital letters.
all-knowing, all-around co-conspirator, co-author ex-husband, ex-convict half-truth, half-hearted great-grandmother, great-uncle 5-cent piece of candy, 40-foot tree T-shirt, PG-rated

Rules for Hyphens

Use a hyphen when a word would be confusing or hard to read without it.

shelllike (3 ls in a row - confusing) Anne recovered from the flu and recovered her living room chair (this is confusing)

shell-like

Anne recovered from the flu and re-covered her living room chair.

Rules for Hyphens

Use a hyphen with double last names.

Mary Scott-Simons Jim Blake-Adams

Use hyphens with words that are meant to be read as a single unit.
the Braves-Mets game

Rules for Hyphens

Use hyphens (or slashes) with dates.

1-12-06 1/12/06

Use hyphens with compound numbers from 21 to 99.

twenty-one, ninety-nine

Rules for Hyphens

Use hyphens with fractions acting as adjectives or adverbs, but not fractions acting as nouns.
The bottle of Coke was two-thirds [adverb] full. Jill drank two thirds [noun] of the bottle of Coke.

Rules for Hyphens

Use a hyphen with scores.

We beat our arch rivals 86-78.

Use hyphens in compound adjectives if they come before the noun they describe.
the 15-year-old girl up-to-date technology eighth-grade students a drive-me-completely-nuts class

Rules for Hyphens

If the compound adjective comes after the noun, dont use hyphens.
The girl is 15 years old. The technology is up to date. The students are eighth graders. This class is going to drive me completely nuts.

Rules for Hyphens

Use hyphens to mean through.

Read pages 16-24. The baseball card store is open MondaySaturday. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is perhaps the most famous writer of all time.

In formal writing, it is usually better to write out the word through.

Rules for Hyphens

Use hyphens to spell out words.

She said, My name is Kacey, K-a-c-e-y.

Use hyphens to show faltering speech.

Oh, no! Y-y-you t-t-took my b-b-book?

Rules for Hyphens

Use hyphens for hyphenating words.

When writing articles you sometimes have limited room and therefore need to break words up. In formal writing, especially typed papers, there is no need to hyphenate. For handwritten papers, use your rough draft as a guide to know when to end your last word on the line so you do not need to hyphenate.

Rules for Apostrophes

Use apostrophes with nouns to indicate ownership.

Freds car Crystals cat The Harrises car The Joneses house The womens dresses

Do not use an apostrophe with possessive pronouns (i.e. theirs, yours, ours, his, hers)

Rules for Apostrophes

Use an apostrophe to indicate missing letters.

10 of the clack = 10 oclock 2005 = 05 we were not = we werent it is = its (its = possessive pronoun) there is = theres (theirs is a possessive pronoun, theyre = they are) you are = youre (your is a possessive pronoun)

Rules for Apostrophes

Do not use an apostrophe in most plural words.

Both the boys and the girls are invited to try out for the soccer team. (WRONG) Both the boys and the girls are invited to try out for the soccer team. I grew up in the 1980s. (WRONG) I grew up in the 1980s.

Rules for Apostrophes

With numbers other than years, either way (with or without and apostrophe) is okay. Be consistent.
There are three 9s on this page. There are three 9s on this page.

Rules for Apostrophes

Some weird examples to remember:

Words used as words:

There are too many buts in that sentence.

Abbreviations

There are three M.D.s here.

Alphabet

Mississippi is spelled with four ss, four is, and two ps.

Rules for Ellipses

Use an ellipsis to indicate some words have been left out of a quotation.
The governor said, It is very important for our children . . . that the school year be extended . . . and that they go to school . . . 360 days a year. This type of quote should be used sparingly and the omitted material should not change the meaning of the quote.

Rules for Ellipses

Use an ellipsis to indicate that something unwritten came earlier.

. . . I do, said Cary. An ellipses should be used with care, it would be wrong to misquote something.

Rules for Ellipses

Use an ellipsis to indicate a sentence trailing off.

Imagine this as the final sentence of a book chapter it entices the reader to turn the page to read what happens next: Tom and Carlos were camping in the woods, asleep in their tent, when they heard it the sound . . .

Rules for Ellipses

Us an ellipsis to indicate a long, slow break.

There it was again . . . that soft but eerie sound.

Use an ellipsis to indicate slow-downs in thought or conversation.

They looked sweetly into each others eyes until the moment was right, then slowly . . . gently . . . a kiss.

Rules for Underlining and Italics

Use italics primarily instead of underlining, especially when typing. Underline when you are writing out by hand or using it for a special purpose. Either way is grammatically correct be consistent.

Rules for Underlining and Italics

Use italics or underlining for names of books, magazines, newspapers, movies, operas, plays, and other large works.
The New York Times The New York Times The Addams Family The Addams Family Time Magazine Time Magazine

Rules for Underlining and Italics

Use quotation marks (not underlining or italics) for the names of songs, poems, magazine articles, newspaper articles, short stories, chapters of books, and other small works.
Singing in the Rain - song Education Growing article The Road Not Taken - poem

Rules for Underlining and Italics

Use italics or underlining for emphasis (but dont abuse this).

I really mean it this time: Dont bite the dog! Guess who asked me to the prom Hartley! Will I never finish this algebra homework?

Rules for Underlining and Italics

Use italics or underlining for foreign words.

I ordered coq au vin for dinner. I ordered coq au vin for dinner. Some words are no longer considered foreign words, such as quiche and salsa. You decide what is considered foreign, but be consistent.

Rules for Underlining and Italics

Use italics or underlining or quotation marks for words used as words.

Pneumonia is a tough word to spell. Pneumonia is a tough word to spell. Pneumonia is a tough word to spell.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Use quotation marks to enclose what someone says (direct quotes).

Mario said, Get me a Coke, and Elena replied, Get it yourself. Remember do not use quotation marks with indirect quotes.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Thoughts or questions in someones mind (in other words, ideas not spoken out loud) do not need quotation marks.
Will I survive this bungee jump? Austin wondered.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Use quotation marks to suggest doubt or skepticism.

You call this a car? I call it scrap metal. The teacher said we did okay on the test whatever that means.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Use quotation marks for definitions.

A principle is a basic truth or a standard of good behavior; a principal is one who holds a position of presiding rank, especially the head of a school.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Use quotation marks for sayings.

My mom loves to use the saying every dog has its day.

Use quotation marks for labels, markings, signs, etc.

Im confused. This stoplight says stop and that one says go. Stamp the receipts paid. Label this container flour and that one sugar.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Use quotation marks to indicate clever or silly use of a word.

I love the flowers you made out of ribbon and beads. The dog wolfed down his dinner. Dont overuse quotation marks in this manner. It begins to look cluttered.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Commas and period always go inside the quotation mark.

Marsha said, Lets go, and we did. The title of the song is Dont Speak.

Colons and semicolons always go outside the quotation mark.

Catherine said, Ill clean my room; now well see if she means it. Mom uttered the first rule of parental law: just because I said so!

Rules for Quotation Marks

If you have a quotation within a quotation, use single quotation marks around it.
Parker said, My mom said, No way! so I guess I cant go. She whispered, I love the song Singing in the Rain. If only a yes or no is quoted, it doesnt matter if you use quotation marks or not. Be consistent.

Rules for Quotation Marks

If several different speakers are quoted, start a new paragraph for each new speaker, especially in a long dialogue.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Question marks and exclamation points depend on what is being quoted. If it is just the quoted material the question mark or exclamation point goes inside the quote. If the whole sentence is a question or exclamation, the punctuation goes outside the quote.

Rules for Quotation Marks

Examples:
I think he is the one that yelled, Fire! I was furious when he smugly said, Drop dead! She asked, Is that really you? Are you the one who yelled, Help?

Rules for Punctuation

Be consistent. Edit and revise your essays specifically for punctuation. Do not rely on punctuation marks to set your tone, your wording is much more important. Rewrite sentences that seem weird they probably are.

The End
*Most of the material and examples are taken from Painless Grammar, by Rebecca Elliot, Ph.D.1997