Quoting within a speech
Occasionally a quotation may be incorporated within the
direct speech. This will also need inverted commas to
separate it from the main body of the speech. You can use
either single or double inverted commas to enclose direct
speech. If you have used single ones, use double ones for
your quotation or vice versa. If the quotation comes at
the end of the speech, put the punctuation markafterthe
‘quotation marks’ and then close the inverted commas.
Harry asked, ‘Who said, ‘‘Greater love has no man than
this that a man lay down his life for his friends’’?’Harry is asking a question so the question mark goesafter
the quotation andthenthe inverted commas are closed.
Using titles
You will also need inverted commas when writing the titles
of books, plays, films, etc. Italics are usually used when the
work is printed.
Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’ is one of the greatest plays
ever written.If a title is used within direct speech, the same rules apply as
for quotations.
‘I’m going to see the film ‘‘Shakespeare in Love’’,’
announced Julie.WRITING DIALOGUE / 107