Inverted commas (speech marks)
The marks around spoken words, the punctuation that goes inside them, and when you do not need them.
The answer
Inverted commas, also called speech marks, go around the exact words someone says, as in “Wait here,” said Mum.
Examples
“Wait here,” said Mum.
The comma belongs to the speech, so it goes inside.
“Can we go to the park?” asked Leo.
The conductor shouted, “Sit down!”
The Year 4 example: a comma after the reporting clause, and the exclamation mark inside.
“I know,” said Amir, “that you took the last biscuit.”
Split speech: the second part carries on the same sentence, so it starts in lower case.
How to spot it
- Find the words actually spoken, the ones that came out of the person’s mouth. Only those go inside.
- Punctuation that belongs to the speech (comma, full stop, question mark, exclamation mark) goes inside the closing inverted commas.
- When the reporting clause comes first (Mum said), put a comma after it: Mum said, “Wait here.”
- Start a new line for each new speaker.
The common mistake
Putting the comma outside, or using speech marks for reported speech.
“Wait here”, said Mum should be “Wait here,” said Mum. And reported speech needs no inverted commas at all: Mum said that we should wait.
When it is taught
- First met
- Year 3
- On the pupil word list
- Year 3, as “inverted commas (or ‘speech marks’)”
Year 3 introduces inverted commas to punctuate direct speech. Year 4 adds the rest of the punctuation: a comma after the reporting clause, and end punctuation inside the inverted commas.
Try a question
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? Tick one.
- “Where are my shoes?” asked Dad.
- “Where are my shoes”? asked Dad.
- “Where are my shoes? asked Dad.”
- Where are my shoes? “asked Dad.”
Show the answer
Answer: “Where are my shoes?” asked Dad.
Only the spoken words go inside, and the question mark belongs to them, so it goes inside too.
Related terms
- Practise the 11+ skill: Punctuate direct speech
More grammar terms
Questions parents ask
Are inverted commas and speech marks the same?
Yes. Appendix 2 lists inverted commas, or speech marks, as the Year 3 term.
Should children use single or double inverted commas?
Both are correct. Most primary schools teach double ones, while many printed books use single ones. The important thing is to be consistent.
What is the difference between direct and reported speech?
Direct speech gives the exact words, in inverted commas: “I’m tired,” said Ben. Reported speech retells them without inverted commas: Ben said that he was tired.
Grammar turns up in 11+ English too
Many 11+ English papers include grammar and punctuation questions alongside comprehension. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.