Grammar- Apostrophes and Quotation Marks

Apostrophes and Quotations

Apostrophes are single  ( ‘ ) and are used for possessives (belonging to like Julie’s )

and contractions (combined words like don’t).

Julie’s book

Don’t

George’s shoe

Didn’t

Quotations

Punctuation

Note: quotation marks are double- ("), apostrophes are single –(')

Quotation marks surround the words that are being spoken, and any punctuation they may include.

A sentence in punctuating dialogue includes the description of who is speaking.

For example:

"I don't want to go," complained Becky.   

I don't want to go complained Becky is the sentence, even though I don't want to go is a complete thought, the period goes after Becky. See how the comma after go is included inside the quotation mark?

An exclamation or question mark would be included inside the quotation mark as well.

“I don’t want to go!” exclaimed Becky.    “Do I have to go?” asked Becky.

What happens if the speaker has a lot to say? Here is how to punctuate an interrupted thought.

"Of course," answered Josh, "the cookie started the fire."

See how the comma after of course is included inside the quotation mark?

Also, because this is an interrupted quote, a comma follows Josh to indicate the speaker is not

finished.