English Toolkit

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21.1Inverted commas: Direct speech
TYPICAL ERROR Where am I? How did I get here? he asked in a daze.
CORRECTION 'Where am I? How did I get here?' he asked in a daze.

EXPLANATION When we are writing down the actual words spoken by a person, we should place those words in inverted commas to show the reader that those were the exact ones used. Here are some more examples:

  • 'We have orders to arrest Robin Hood,' said the soldier.
  • 'This is outrageous!' fumed the Abbot.

Add single inverted commas to the following sentences around actual words spoken (or thought).
a
We're wasting our time, she said. Let's go home.

b
Well, said Morgraine lightly, if the King wishes me to wed Lancelot, he need only name the day.

c
You are all to do this homework. I don't want to hear any excuses tomorrow, said the teacher.

d
There is a clear difference between baldly stating, You look terrible today, and kindly inquiring, Are you okay?

e
As a nation that has experienced terrorism on our shores, we need to ask ourselves, Are civil liberties more important than our security?

Success!