Grammar for Everyone - Barbara Dykes 2007

13 Inverted commas
Introduction
Part II The parts of speech

Definition: The marks consist of the comma shape, while ’inverted’ refers to the opening pair being written upside-down.

Before studying inverted commas, students should know about:

• the punctuation forms discussed previously to this section

• the correct construction of a simple sentence

Sometimes teachers refer to inverted commas, or speech marks, as 66’s and 99’s (note the use of the apostrophe here). This is a good way to remind children which of the marks open speech and which ones close it.

Direct speech is much easier for learners to write than indirect speech, which necessitates the use of conditional tenses (see page 146), but it is very important that they learn this punctuation at an early stage.

The best way to introduce young students to the use of inverted commas is through reading passages of dialogue, pointing out the way it’s done. Students then need to practise a conversation piece, constructing it on the board together. Together they should look at a passage of dialogue from a school text, discussing the use of punctuation and the layout, noting that usually a new line is used to indicate a change of speaker.

Traditionally, double inverted commas (hence 66’s and 99’s) were used for speech marks. A quotation within speech would be marked by one at either end.

For example:

“My favourite book is ’The Goblet of Fire’, by J.K. Rowling,” answered Julie.

Some modern texts choose to use these marks the opposite way round, as in ’My favourite book is “The Goblet of Fire”, by J.K Rowling,’ answered Julie. Either is correct, but teachers in an education institution should agree on the form to be adopted.

13.1 Activities: inverted commas

1. Students insert the correct punctuation into sentences using direct speech.

a. Dad said come quickly and you will see a goanna.

b. I can see it shouted Anna jumping up and down.

c. Shh don’t shout whispered Dad you’ll frighten it.

d. What are you all looking at called Gemma from the kitchen window.

e. Hush mouthed Anna her finger to her lips it’s a goanna.

2. Students write a conversation they have had with one of the following, remembering that for each new speaker, we start a new line.

a. the shopkeeper at the corner store

b. a friend

c. a policeman

d. a favourite star or sportsperson

e. an astronaut

f. an uncle or aunt

3. Students are given a copy of a selected passage from a well-known book, with punctuation omitted. They reconstruct the passage, inserting punctuation. They then compare their version with the original.

A suggested passage, from J.K. Rowling’s The Philosopher's Stone:

’I want to read that letter,’ he said loudly.

’I want to read it,’ said Harry furiously, ’as it’s mine.’

’Get out, both of you,’ croaked Uncle Vernon, stuffing the letter back inside its envelope. Harry didn’t move.

’I want my letter,’ he shouted.

’Let me see it,’ demanded Dudley.

’Out!’ roared Uncle Vernon ...

Checklist: inverted commas

Students should now be able to:

• insert inverted commas into the correct place in given sentences

• write direct speech, correctly using inverted commas, commas and other punctuation already learnt, including apostrophes