GRAMMAR Q1 - Set A Flashcards
Apostrophes, Quotation Marks, Dashes
When should you use quotation marks in writing?
Use quotation marks to enclose direct quotations, dialogue, and unusual expressions. They are always used in pairs.
How do you format an interrupted quotation?
Use quotation marks before and after each part of the interrupted quotation. Example: “I don’t know,” she said, “what to do next.”
How do you format a quotation within a quotation?
Use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks. Example: “She said, ‘It’s a beautiful day.’”
When should quotation marks NOT be used?
Quotation marks should not be used in indirect quotations, where you describe what someone said without using their exact words.
What is the rule for indenting dialogue in writing?
Start a new paragraph for each new speaker in written dialogue.
Give an example of using quotation marks to set off an unfamiliar slang or expression.
Example: The term “blog” was unfamiliar to many people a few years ago.
How do you form the possessive of a singular noun using an apostrophe?
Add an apostrophe and an “s” (’s) to the end of the noun. Example: The cat’s toy.
How do you form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in “s”?
Add an apostrophe after the “s” (’). Example: The teachers’ lounge.
How do you form the possessive of a plural noun that does not end in “s”?
Add an apostrophe and an “s” (’s) to the end of the noun. Example: The children’s books.
Should you use an apostrophe in a possessive pronoun?
No, possessive pronouns like his, hers, its, ours, and theirs do not require an apostrophe.
How are apostrophes used in contractions?
Apostrophes replace the omitted letters in contractions. Example: do + not = don’t.
How do you use an apostrophe to show missing numbers in a date?
Place the apostrophe before the numbers that are missing. Example: The Seniors last year were the class of ’24.
How do you use an apostrophe to form the plural of letters, figures, and words?
Add an apostrophe and “s” (’s) to form the plural. Example: Mind your p’s and q’s.
What is a dash used for in a sentence?
A dash is used to show a sudden break or change of thought or to emphasize information.
When should you use a pair of dashes in a sentence?
Use a pair of dashes if the emphasized information is in the middle of a sentence. Example: The weather—unpredictable as always—ruined our plans.
When should you use a single dash in a sentence?
Use a single dash if the emphasized information is at the end of a sentence. Example: She knew what she had to do—leave.
When should you NOT use dashes?
Do not use dashes if the additional information is not a sudden break or emphasized thought. Use commas or parentheses instead.
What punctuation should be used to set off dialogue?
Quotation marks should be used to set off dialogue.
How do you format a dialogue tag that interrupts a quotation?
Place a comma inside the quotation marks before the tag, and resume the quote after the tag with a lowercase letter. Example: “I can’t,” he said, “believe it’s already noon.”
Give an example of an apostrophe used to replace omitted letters in a contraction.
Example: cannot = can’t.
Give an example of a dash used for emphasis at the end of a sentence.
Example: She won the award—against all odds.
How should quotations be formatted in a sentence with dialogue and narrative text?
Place quotation marks around the dialogue and use commas to separate the narrative text. Example: “I’m leaving,” she said, “and I’m not coming back.”
How do you decide whether to use an apostrophe or not with the word “its”?
Use “it’s” when it’s a contraction for “it is” or “it has.” Use “its” as a possessive pronoun.
How do you form the plural of a single letter using an apostrophe?
Add an apostrophe and an “s” (’s). Example: Dot your i’s and cross your t’s.
When should quotation marks be used around a single word?
Use quotation marks around a single word when it is being discussed as a word itself or when it is unfamiliar or used in a special sense. Example: The word “irony” is often misunderstood.
When is it appropriate to use single quotation marks?
Use single quotation marks for a quote within a quote. Example: “She said, ‘I’m going to the store,’ and left.”
How do you format the title of a short story or article?
Use quotation marks around the title of a short story or article. Example: “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?
A dash is longer and is used to indicate a break in thought or to emphasize information, while a hyphen is shorter and used to connect words or parts of words.
How do you punctuate dialogue when a sentence is interrupted by a narrative tag?
Use commas to separate the dialogue from the narrative tag, and continue the dialogue after the tag. Example: “I’m not sure,” she said, “if I want to go.”
When is it incorrect to use an apostrophe?
It is incorrect to use an apostrophe to form the plural of regular nouns. Example: Incorrect: Apple’s are tasty. Correct: Apples are tasty.
