How to Use Inverted Commas in Direct Speech

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"What is an inverted comma?", "What is direct speech?", "What is a reporting clause?"
These are just a few of the big questions facing pupils starting Year 3 punctuation lessons (and their parents). But don't worry, we've got the answers to all of the above (and maybe a little bit extra).

 

What is an Inverted Comma?

First things first: an inverted comma is just a punctuation mark that is used to indicate the words someone says or has said. 
 

Single inverted commas look like this:

‘Why is that albatross attacking the marina?’ asked Samuel.
 

Double inverted commas are exactly what they sound like. They look like this: 

“I think it’s looking for a meatball,” replied Tom.
 

Single and double inverted commas mean pretty much the same thing: that the words inside them are the words that came out of someone’s mouth.  They are also often called speech marks, quotation marks or quotes. They always curl towards the text that they contain; a bit like they’re trying to give it a hug. How sweet.

Generally, double inverted commas are used to show speech at KS2 level.  However, you can use single inverted commas to quote inside a quote, for example:

Kevin explained, “My uncle shouted ‘Stop, in the name of the lore!’ as the thief made off with his collection of fantasy stories.”

This isn’t common at KS2 — you’ll mostly only need double inverted commas, but it’s worth being aware of just in case.  If you do need to use both types of inverted comma, put the single inverted commas inside the double inverted commas.

 

Inverted Commas Examples:

"No use crying over spilt milk," Harry proclaimed as his cereal crashed to the floor.
 

The receptionist groaned, "Yes, we are a blood bank, but no, you can’t make a withdrawal."
 

“Stop sending coded messages about ursine threats,” Devin insisted.
Callum frantically replied, “Bear with me."
 

“I’ll watch your kids,” volunteered Milly, forgetting that her uncle owned a goat farm.

 

What is Direct Speech?

Any words inside inverted commas are direct speech — words that came directly out of someone’s mouth.  That’s it.  ‘Direct speech’ is just the technical name for ‘the words that someone said’. 

There’s not too much to overthink here, but it is important that inverted commas are only put around direct speech.  You don’t want to go and put them around the reporting clause for example…

 

What is a Reporting Clause?

The words that tell you who is speaking and how are called a reporting clause.  Reporting clauses are not included inside inverted commas — no one is saying these words out loud.
If you imagine reading written speech as receiving a package in the post; the inverted commas are the box your delivery (the speech) arrives in, and the reporting clause is a bit like a tracking receipt: it tells you where the speech came from and how it was delivered.

“That was a really strange example to use,” Ellen sighed disappointedly.

 

How to use Punctuation in Direct Speech

Four key things to remember when using punctuation with speech marks or inverted commas:

1. Speech inside inverted commas starts with a capital letter.

This is because it is a new sentence.

 “Don’t forget your letter: it’s important!” said the postman.

 

2. Always put punctuation inside inverted commas

This is usually a comma (when a reporting clause follows the speech), sometimes a question or exclamation mark, and sometimes a full stop (if there’s no reporting clause after the speech).

“Oh, crumbs! I almost forgot to put the punctuation inside,” sighed Megan.
“What a forgetful person you are!” chuckled Toby.
Megan giggled, “I’d forget my head if it wasn’t screwed on.”

 

3. Don’t capitalise the first letter of the reporting clause.

It’s part of the same sentence as the speech, so a capital letter isn’t needed (unless the first word of the reporting clause is a proper noun or comes before the speech).

“Priya wants to go to the park now,” reported Jakub.
“I want someone to push me on the swings,” Priya declared.

 

4. Put a full stop at the end of your reporting clause.

The end of the reporting clause is usually the end of the sentence, so it needs a full stop. 
If your reporting clause comes before the speech, put a comma after it instead.

“Olu, stop feeding the goats grapes,” Dad called out.
Olu replied, “They stole the bag off me — I can’t get it back.”

 

 

Inverted Commas Resources

If you want some expertly made, teacher-approved resources on using inverted commas, you’ve come to the right place.  Check out this list of CGP+ goodies for a whole host of helping hands:

 

Inverted Commas for Direct Speech (Year 3)

This PowerPoint will have children punctuating direct speech correctly in no time — it explains all the key information and provides several examples to look at and analyse.

 

Using Inverted Commas — Add the Punctuation (Year 3)

Get inside inverted commas with this wonderful worksheet.  There’s plenty of practice to help you perfectly punctuate all your sentences.

 

Inverted Commas — Busy Breakfast (Year 3)

Breakfast and punctuation practice — a match made in heaven!  This worksheet even comes with a Foundation Level version for less confident learners.

 

Direct Speech (Years 3-4)

This video is perfect for more visual learners.  Short, sweet and packed with helpful explanations (as well as talking animals), it’ll teach children the inverted comma essentials without them having to pick up a pencil.

 

Inverted Commas — Fairground Chatter (Year 3)

Enjoy a fun twist on finding the odd-one-out with this worksheet.  Children need to spot which sentences use inverted commas correctly and then identify why the other sentences are incorrect. There’s a Foundation Level version too — this educational ride has been made suitable for everyone.
 

 

So, there you have it — using inverted commas to punctuate direct speech.  It might seem like a lot of finicky rules at first (because it is), but it’s the kind of thing where practice makes perfect.  

Year 3 punctuation doesn’t have to send you into an inverted coma — it can be a blast with CGP+.  And you can quote me on that.