paragraph even if it is only a single word. When the speech is
finished, start a new paragraph when you return to the
narrative.
‘Laura’s coming to dinner,’ announced Helen.
‘Why did you invite her?’ demanded her husband. ‘You
know I can’t stand her.’
‘She took me out for lunch so I wanted to repay her
invitation. You don’t really mind, do you?’
‘Is anyone else coming?’
‘No.’
‘I think I’ll go to the pub,’ remarked Jerry. ‘Two’s com-
pany. Three’s a crowd.’
‘Oh please, Jerry,’ pleaded Helen, ‘don’t go. She’ll think it
so strange.’
‘Too bad.’
‘Don’t be late, will you?’
He headed for the door and slammed it behind him. Helen
burst into tears.
Speaking in paragraphs
If, for some reason, a character is speaking for a long time, the
words will have to be broken up into paragraphs. Perhaps a
story is being told. It might continue for several pages. In this
case put inverted commas at thebeginningof each paragraph
but do not close them until the person has finished speaking.
Using quotations
If quotations are used, these are placed within inverted
commas. However, when typing, quotations can be shown in
italics.
106 / IMPROVE YOUR PUNCTUATION & GRAMMAR