True or False?
A sentence that has an original statement with quotation marks may also have a comma.
True
I'd like pizza with anchovies," George said.
What do you think?
Right.
True.
When it comes to using quotation marks in a sentence, it is possible to include a comma. However, it depends on the specific structure and purpose of the sentence.
In general, a comma is used before or after a quotation mark when it is necessary for the syntax or to indicate the flow of the sentence. Here are a few scenarios that illustrate when a comma should be included:
1. Introducing a quotation: If you are introducing a direct quotation with an attributive phrase or clause, a comma should be placed before the opening quotation mark. For example:
- Sarah said, "I'll be there soon."
2. Splitting a quotation: If a quotation is interrupted by a descriptive phrase, the part before and after the interruption should be separated by a comma inside the quotation marks. For example:
- "I love traveling," she exclaimed, "especially to exotic destinations."
3. Quoting a question or exclamation: When a quotation includes a question mark or exclamation mark, the punctuation mark should go before the closing quotation mark, and a comma may be needed before the opening quotation mark. For example:
- Did he really say, "I quit!"?
4. Combining a quotation with other punctuation: If a quotation is followed by additional punctuation marks like a comma, period, or semicolon, those marks should be placed inside the closing quotation mark. For example:
- "Please pass me the salt," she requested.
However, it's important to note that not every sentence with quotation marks requires a comma. It mainly depends on the sentence structure and the specific usage of the quotation within it.