Um, i have a question for you all

[Espurr 449]

I have a grammar question. When someone is talking, like "Can I have some peanut butter?" Jack said, are you supposed to put a period after the word said or not? Because I don't know and Google isn't any help.

[ninjamon102938 222]

I think so, i think it depends on if your ending the sentence there or not really

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

I think so, i think it depends on if your ending the sentence there or not really

 

This. If that's all you're going to say, the sentence can be ended. If you have an additional clause to throw on for whatever reason, use a comma.

[Magpie 623]

Yes. However, one thing to note is, don't put a period within the quotes as well, although question marks such as the example are okay. (Just something I struggled with myself for a while.)

Edited March 22, 2014 by Brosparkles

[Celtore 2,770]

Yes, you do put a period there unless you want to continue the quote.

 

"May I have some lunch?" asked Jason hungrily.

"Not yet," his father laughed, "We haven't even had breakfast!"

Edited March 22, 2014 by Celtore

[Nine 707]

One thing I used to always do when I was writing and had a question like that was to just look in a book I had nearby.

[Scootalove 10,689]

I think it depends on whether you are ending the sentence or not.

[Rift enchanted 380]

Yeah I think you have your answer. Continue the sentence if you use the comma

Edited March 22, 2014 by Rift enchanted

[Judgement 445]

It depends if you want to continue or end the quote. You could have:

 

"Can I have some peanut butter?" Jack said.

 

But you could also have:

 

"Can I have some peanut butter?" Jack said, "I am starving."

Edited March 22, 2014 by Judgement

[AppleGearRising 526]

I have only one question...

 

What does Jack want the peanut butter for?

[Technicolor_Pony 34]

also, you don't have to put a period there if you are saying something like;

"Can I have some peanut butter?" Jack said, drumming his fingers on the table.

[Clarity 3,094]

 

 

"Can I have some peanut butter?" Jack said, "I REALLY want some."

This is actually incorrect. "I REALLY want some" does not continue "Can I have some peanut butter". These two are independent clauses.

 

@,

Like others have said, it depends on whether or not you want to continue the sentence. Also, note that if the sentence usually ends in a period, there should be a comma before a speaking action, like so:

 

"I want some peanut butter," said Jack.

[Judgement 445]

 

This is actually incorrect. "I REALLY want some" does not continue "Can I have some peanut butter". These two are independent clauses.

 

@,

Like others have said, it depends on whether or not you want to continue the sentence. Also, note that if the sentence usually ends in a period, there should be a comma before a speaking action, like so:

 

"I want some peanut butter," said Jack.

Right. I forgot about the whole dependent and independent clause rule. Ugh. -_~. Excuse my stupidity. My english teacher would probably murder me if she saw that.

[RAGESTAR 479]

That depends on if you want him to do something after saying that.

 

Example: "Can I have some peanut butter?" Asked Jack, as he grabbed a spoon.

 

Or not. "Can I have some peanut butter?" Asked Jack.

[Shanks 10,816]

There is a very useful thread on here where writers can share tips and ask questions on grammar, punctuation as well as character development, story structure and other quesiton just like the one you are asking. You might want to check it out.

 

http://mlpforums.com/topic/43854-mlp-forums-writing-centre/

[Adorkable 2,737]

I think so, i think it depends on if your ending the sentence there or not really

.

All I can do is agree with this. ^^"

[ChoroChii 284]

If you're ending the sentence there, then yes.