Internal Dialogue: Italics or Quotes?
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
Internal Dialogue: Italics or Quotes?
NOTE: Please see our article Diving Back Into Dialogue: Part II, for an expanded discussion of this topic.
Internal dialogue is used by authors to indicate what a character is thinking.
Direct internal dialogue refers to a character thinking the exact thoughts as written, often in the first person. (The first person singular is I, the first person plural is we.)
Example: “I lied,” Charles thought, “but maybe she will forgive me.”
Notice that quotation marks and other punctuation are used as if the character had spoken aloud.
You may also use italics without quotation marks for direct internal dialogue.
Example: I lied, Charles thought, but maybe she will forgive me.
Indirect internal dialogue refers to a character expressing a thought in the third person (the third person singular is he or she, the plural is they) and is not set off with either italics or quotation marks.
Example: Bev wondered why Charles would think that she would forgive him so easily.
The sense of the sentence tells us that she did not think these exact words.
If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page.
What if you are telling the story and it’s past tense but then the internal dialoge becomes present tense of what you thought at that time? Do you make a new paragragh every time you use the internal dialog as well?
Yes, dialogue will become present tense. No, you do not need to make a new paragraph when using internal dialogue.
Let’s use this example:
I hurried down the street, a slice of buttered toast in my mouth. Checking the time on my cell, I thought, She is going to kill me!
That’s a good example.
I am not an expert but I have read few novels in which the author uses italics in order to present the characters’ thoughts. Gone Girl (2012) is an example of this.
We expanded on this blog post with our newsletter article of December 3, 2019, Diving Back Into Dialogue: Part II, where we included the use of standard roman typeface for internal dialogue.
What if I’m using italics but not using a proper pronoun (with no obvious capitalization), and my thought ends in punctuation other than a comma? Do I leave the pronoun lowercased, as I would if it were in quotes? Or do I capitalize it?
For example, which would be correct (picture the thoughts in italics, if the HTML doesn’t process):
What is that? she thought.
or
What is that? She thought.
I can’t seem to find this type of example anywhere, and I’ve run into it several times with my historical fiction novel I’m writing! Thanks for your help!
You would leave the pronoun lowercased. What is that? she thought.
You answered part of this question in a couple previous questions but I’m curious about one thing that you didn’t address. Or if you did. I missed it. How many spaces do you use between the question mark and the following word in the examples below? This is in regards to internal dialogue (someone’s thoughts).
Example:
What is that? Trey thought. – There are two spaces between the question mark and the name Trey in my example. Is that correct? Or should there only be one space between the question mark and the name Trey?
And second question, which is very similar to the first,
Example 2:
What is that? she thought. Would there be one or two spaces between the question mark and the word she?
I’m assuming the answer is one space for both examples, but I could be wrong.
Thanks for taking the time to answer all of these. I’m bookmarking this page to help with further punctuation training.
Our Rule 1 of Spacing With Punctuation says, “With a computer, use only one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation points, question marks, and quotation marks. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically.” This rule applies to both your examples.
What about POV. In first person you would do neither, correct.
Ex: I can’t believe he said that. What am I going to do now?
In the example you gave, you would not use italics or quotes. Other examples, also in a first person point-of-view, could use punctuation.
“I can’t believe he said that,” I thought. “What am I going to do now?”
I can’t believe he said that, I thought. What am I going to do now?
I will concede either/or only insomuch that it may apply differently between MLA and novelization, but italics are still the acceptable form moreso than quotation marks, yes?
There seems to be quite a difference of opinion on this subject. According to The Chicago Manual of Style (13.41), “Thought, imagined dialogue, and other interior discourse may be enclosed in quotation marks or not, according to the context or the writer’s preference.” They do not even mention the use of italics. Also, AP Stylebook says, “So, is an unspoken thought always worthy of quotation marks? Writer’s choice on that.” We would not say that one is more acceptable than the other.
For me, it’s readability. Italics can be misread. Quotes set apart the internal from the external, providing that the external is not also in quotes.
So what if you’re writing from a 1st person POV. How do you distinguish between internal dialogue and simply giving an opinion.
For instance:
I looked around this scene and thought that everyone was caught in a suspended reality…
vs.
I thought “how creepy”
vs
My room was bare. I had always wondered what they said about me. Did I lack essence?
How do I format each?
In your first sentence, the word that indicates that it is not actual internal dialogue.
I looked around this scene and thought that everyone was caught in a suspended reality…
If it were actual internal dialogue, the sentence would be written like this:
I looked around this scene and thought, “Everyone was caught in a suspended reality…” OR
I looked around this scene and thought, Everyone was caught in a suspended reality…
Your second and third sentences are both examples of internal dialogue since they are the exact thoughts of the character.
I thought, “How creepy.” OR I thought How creepy.
“My room was bare,” I thought. “I had always wondered what they said about me. Did I lack essence?” OR
My room was bare I thought. I had always wondered what they said about me. Did I lack essence?
If they were not internal dialogue they would be written like this:
I thought that it was creepy.
I thought that my room was bare. I had always wondered what they said about me. Did I lack essence?
So just to drive the point home. As an author, I find myself unsure of the proper format when I write from a first person POV because I am developing a character who is omniscient while also having the first person POV. So while third person Omniscient POV is common, the first person POV isn’t…as far I know. While I don’t mind breaking the rules (if it’s uncommon), I want to make sure that I format the text properly so that I may guide the reader as logically as possible.
As such, If I take myself to be the first person, then, every statement is technically my thought. As such, I created rules to differentiate between my thoughts, my dialogue and my description of what I am calling objects (So non-thinking entities in the story (eg. anything from a table, a room, an action,etc…).
The issue presents itself when a table is described as “a beautiful table which perfectly complemented the room for instance.” This is technically my opinion and also an observation. I am unsure how to proceed there.
Any ideas or existing rules that I can follow?
As an author it is up to you whether to choose quotation marks or italics for internal dialogue. Whether it’s first or third person, just make sure you only use them when it is the individual’s exact words or thoughts. Overuse of quotation marks or italics can be distracting to the reader. We recommend that you try not to overthink the situation. If you have a writing instructor, perhaps he or she can provide some guidance and feedback if you are having concerns.
I’m writing “The child covered her face, thinking, ‘If I can’t see you, you can’t see me.’ ” Lowercase or capitalized “if”?
The word if in your example should be capitalized.
I can’t find the rule for punctuation after the word ‘said’. Can you give me the rule, if there is one. Thanks
The word said can appear in either an indirect or direct quotation. An indirect quotation is a paraphrase of someone else’s words and does not require any punctuation. An example of this is She said that she would be available to start work next week.
In a direct quotation the word said is followed by a comma as in the following sentence: At the end of the ceremony she said, “Congratulations!”
If the word said is the last word in a sentence, it could also be followed by a period, exclamation point, or a question mark. For example: We could not hear what she said. Did you hear what she said? We did not hear what you said!
Rule 16
Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations shorter than three lines.
Examples:
He actually said, “I do not care.”
“Why,” I asked, “do you always forget to do it?”
I found the above examples on the COMMAS page
https://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/commas.asp
Note: The quotation marks to open and the quotation marks to close appear to be facing in the same direction.
Throughout our website, we have used “straight” quotation marks, i.e., in normal typeface they are vertical (just like the quotation marks in this sentence). The quotation marks you have pointed out are in a passage that is in italic type, therefore, the quotation marks are at the same slant as the italic type, e.g., “straight.” According to Wikipedia, “straight” or “ambidextrous” quotation marks were introduced on typewriters to reduce the number of keys on the keyboard, and were inherited by computer keyboards and character sets.”
Since the hard copy of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation also contains only straight quotation marks, we would like to stay consistent on the website. However, when we proceed to print the next edition, we will be looking into converting to the more formal opening and closing quotation marks, also known as “typographic” or “curly” quotation marks.
How do I create italicized emphasis with sentences/phrases within an entire paragraph that is already italicized because it is first person dialogue.
For example:
I was walking by the bar when an attractive gray-haired man said, “Hey, young lady, don’t I know you?” This old man is hitting on me, I thought.
This paragraph is italicized for dialogue; how to I emphacize/punctuate the thought: He’s hitting on me, do I italicize or not?
The entire paragraph should not be italicized, only the exact thoughts of the person.
I was walking by the bar when an attractive gray-haired man said, “Hey, young lady, don’t I know you?” This old man is hitting on me, I thought.
This is precisely the sort of thing I’d like to use to bring a greater sense of immediacy to that moment. I’d like to have some rule to judge by in choosing which would be internal narrative and which internal thought. Do you have any opinion on the matter?
Sorry, but we have no advice other than our response to Nancy of June 8, 2012. You may be able to obtain more specific guidance by consulting a reference book on writing fiction and dialogue or by taking a creative writing course at a local college.
My understanding is that you quote yourself to move the plot forward, not for general description.
While the ideal is to move any plot forward, internal dialogue can also be integral to character development or understanding a character, for example.
I am REALLY struggling with point of view and internal dialogue. Could you recommend something to help me master it?
I feel like I can’t move forward because I get so confused when I start to write.
We recommend taking a course in creative writing. Many community colleges offer both credit and non-credit classes in writing.
Can you please take a look at the italicized internal dialogue and capitalization here? I italicized: hi, Lena. Over here, Lena.
I watch as Jae toddles from one kid to another. He gives each one a hug around the knees. I stand in the doorway. I wait for someone to say, hi, Lena. Over here, Lena.
I feel small.
The first word in your internal dialoge should be capitalized.
I watch as Jae toddles from one kid to another. He gives each one a hug around the knees. I stand in the doorway. I wait for someone to say, Hi, Lena. Over here, Lena. I feel small.
How do i type in italics? Im a little new to the whole “Typing” thing.
In many programs, such as Microsoft Word, there should be a slanted I at the top of the page. Click the symbol and the letters will be italicized. Click the symbol again to return to normal type. If you are using a different program and you do not see the slanted I for italics, you can click “Help” or perform an internet search.
I was taught that direct thoughts were to be written in italics not quotes. This helps distinguish them (as they’re quite different).
Are you sure that quotes are used? Doesn’t this introduce a potential for unnecessary confusion, as readers don’t know it’s thought not speech until they reach the “she thought” tag?
As this post states, “You may also use italics without quotation marks for direct internal dialogue.” Either quotes or italics can be used. We would not say that one is more acceptable than the other. As an author it is up to you to decide which one to use. If you feel that italics makes your sentence less “confusing,” you can use italics.
I have a question about capitalization. Would you capitalize the first word in a thought when it comes in the middle of a sentence and is italicized?
For instance: I thought, What should I do now?
Or should it be: I thought, what should I do now?
Thanks!
Yes, italicized quotes are treated the same as if you were using quotation marks.
Can you really call a discussion with oneself a dialogue?
That is an interesting thought. “Internal dialogue” is a fairly common term when referring to what is being thought rather than said; probably relating the term more to the sense of an exchange of ideas or opinions rather than an exchange between two people. “Internal dialogue” would probably be a more accurate description if a person is really debating opposing positions, thoughts, alternatives, etc. with oneself. Otherwise, “internal monologue” may really be more accurate.
When editing thoughts, imagined dialogue, internal monologues, and interior dialogue, is it better to keep the text within the same paragraph as the narrative (or direct discourse), or will it have more impact when formatted as a separate paragraph?
It is up to the author. Either one is grammatically correct.
Lot of varying thought on this with a number of people thinking it’s not necessary to italicise thoughts. I wonder, however, if there’s a difference between a thought which is in first or third person. ie.
he thought, I never should have told her that. (Should this be italicised?)
or
He never should have told her that. (It’s implied it’s his thought, so does it need to be italicised?)
or, in the case of a thought in third person, in order to avoid italics, does it really need the tag: He thought, he never should have told her that.
I always thought that, when writing in third person, who was doing the thinking could be implied without italics and without a tag like ‘he thought’, so italics could be saved for special emphasis. Or should a ‘he thought’ tag always be introduced at the beginning to establish the POV.
What are your thoughts on this?
The exact thoughts of a character are generally considered a direct quotation, requiring quotation marks, although italics are also used by some. It’s the same with a character expressing a thought in third person. Therefore:
I (or He) thought, “I never should have told her that.” OR
I (or He) thought, I never should have told her that. OR
I (or He) thought I (or he) never should have told her that.
What about implied dialogue? For instance:
I wanted to say yes but instead said, “No.” Does yes get placed in quotes or italicized.
Another Example:
She’d be so thrilled that hugs and kisses and theatrical than-you’s would surely rain down upon me. Does thank-you’s get placed within quotes or italicized?
In sentences like your first example, the yes and the no in the expressions say yes and say no usually do not require quotation marks or italics.
The noun thank-you in your second example is not part of any dialogue. Therefore, “thank-yous” requires no special punctuation. There is no apostrophe in the plural thank-yous.
I wanted to say yes but instead said no.
She’d be so thrilled that hugs and kisses and theatrical thank-yous would surely rain down upon me.
What would you use if you said something like..
Then you think, What is happening right now?
You think, oh maybe if I get this done I’ll get some sleep.
etc.
There are no universally agreed-upon rules about internal dialogue. So it is up to the author whether to write these sentences as you have them or choose quotation marks or italics for the words after “think.” Use a comma after words such as oh or well or hey that introduce a sentence. Also, use a comma after the dependent clause “oh maybe if I get this done” in your second sentence. When a quote is a complete sentence, it is customary to capitalize the first word. So to sum up, we would revise your sentences as follows:
Then you think, “What is happening right now?”
You think, “Oh, maybe if I get this done, I’ll get some sleep.”
OR
Then you think, What is happening right now?
You think, Oh, maybe if I get this done, I’ll get some sleep.
Your hints have been very helpful. I am a writer whose first book was published bY a publisher in New York. I later discovered that I was never edited before publication. I had taken for granted that they would do that. I spoke to them about it but they asked me to do it myself but my busy schedules have not allowed me do that. I am writing to ask if you would like to assist me with this: re-editing for republishing.
Thanks.
We are flattered by your request, but our own enterprises do not allow us sufficient time for your project. On our website, we do make a recommendation of an editing service, and there are many more capable editors out there who could do a good job for you.
Great post, and thanks for commenting back on all the queries you get!
You are very welcome; we enjoy doing it!
When a character is remembering a conversation in his head, with a character who has since deceased, would that conversation have quotes for dialogue or italics?
You are describing internal dialogue. Internal dialogue is used by authors to indicate what a character is thinking to himself or herself. Quotation marks and other punctuation are used in the same way as if the character had spoken aloud. Use of italics for internal dialogue is also acceptable. It is up to the author to decide between quotation marks and italics. There are no rules here, just conventions and tendencies. For instance, if an author wanted to convey internal dialogue by using all capitals, or a different font, who’s to say that would be unacceptable?
How exactly would I go about punctuating this sentence when using italics to represent the internal dialogue?
Why did he have to call me in here at quitting time on a Friday?, he thought to himself.
The question mark followed immediately by a comma looks wrong to me. Would quotes be more applicable here? Thanks in advance!
The comma after the question mark is unnecessary. Either italics or quotes is fine.
Why did he have to call me in here at quitting time on a Friday? he thought to himself. OR
“Why did he have to call me in here at quitting time on a Friday?” he thought to himself.
What about writing a series of idea heard but not necesarily attributed? I want to write about 5 different sentences heard by the main character from a random group of people.
Unless the sentences are exact quotes or thoughts, they are indirect and are not set off with either italics or quotation marks.
Examples:
Sam wondered why the club members would think that he lost his job.
Sam heard one of the members say, “I think Sam lost his job.”
Great info. Here’s my twist on it.
The bulk of my story is first person narrative (memoir).
Events are followed by my thoughts about the event, in italics.
Within those thoughts, I include prayer.
ie.
I know it’s the dementia talking, but I don’t know how much longer I can stand this. Lord, is it okay to back off for awhile? Help me know what to do.
Can this whole statement be in italics, or should the second and third sentences be in quotes?
Since it is all internal dialogue, it can be italicized. Also note the correct spelling of a while.
I know it’s the dementia talking, but I don’t know how much longer I can stand this. Lord, is it okay to back off for a while? Help me know what to do.
When you want to write dialogue, do you start a whole new paragraph? If you do, do you continue your story in a new paragraph? Also, do you have any tips for writing in the time of 20 minutes?
If the dialogue is relevant to the topic of the paragraph, you do not need to start a new paragraph. After the dialogue, if the speaker or the subject changes, you should begin a new paragraph. The phrase “20 minutes” can also be written “twenty minutes.” If you choose to use a numeral, you should be consistent throughout your story. If a sentence begins with “twenty minutes,” do not use a numeral.
What if the dialogue is supposed and comes from a pet? My example is:
Chunk (a dog) lifted his brows at Ramone as if to ask, Is that all you got?
Obviously, a dog cannot speak, and some may argue it cannot think-in human terms, that is. How should I punctuate this?
Imagined dialogue is treated the same way as internal dialogue. It is the same for a person, pet, or fictional character. Therefore, you can use quotation marks or italics.
Chunk lifted his brows at Ramone as if to ask, “Is that all you got?” OR
Chunk lifted his brows at Ramone as if to ask, Is that all you got?
There are also some writers who would write it exactly as you did.
What about punctuation marks within internal dialogue that I’ve shown as italics? Do the periods, commas, question/exclamation marks and quotes stay italicized? It’s a subtle difference, but should the last punctuation mark in the thought remain italicized or not?
Yes, if the internal dialogue is italicized, the punctuation marks should all be italicized, including the last one.
What if a character is thinking about a word/words another character has said/did say to them?
ALSO, what would I do with the ‘s’ at the end of each word below?
Ex: He liked her for her youses, y’alls and youse alls.
(The character is Southern!)
If you are using quotation marks with direct internal dialogue, use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks when you have a quotation within a quotation.
“How can Sandy be serious about breaking up? It seems like just yesterday that she said, ‘I love you,’ ” Fred thought.
If you are using italics, use quotation marks around the words quoted by the other character.
How can Sandy be serious about breaking up? It seems like just yesterday that she said, “I love you,” Fred thought.
If it is indirect internal dialogue, use quotation marks around the words quoted by the other character.
Fred thought about the time that Sandy said, “I love you.”
You do not need to do anything with the “s” endings in your non-standard words, however, when a word or term is not used functionally but is referred to as the word or term itself, it is either italicized or enclosed in quotation marks.
He liked her for her youses, y’alls, and youse alls. OR
He liked her for her “youses,” “y’alls,” and “youse alls.”
What if the story I’m writing is in first person and two characters are talking and one starts telling a story about something that happened in the past. Like a flashback, but also there are other characters speaking inside of the dialogue. Would I use single quotation marks?
If one character is speaking about events that happened in the past and is quoting other characters, use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks for the other characters. Example:
I told my husband, “Last week when I saw George, he said, ‘I had four job interviews last week!’ ” Then I added, “And later I talked to Frank who said, ‘I had two interviews at the same company and hope to hear back soon.’ “
Do I use quotation marks in the following internal dialogue as shown below.
‘Oh,Jack,’ she whispered. Looking down at the packed lunch, still in her hand, ‘I must let you to a doctor before the stress kills both of us,’
Since you used the word “whispered,” it is not internal dialogue. Internal dialogue refers to what a character is thinking. We assume you meant to write “get” instead of “let.” The paragraph could be punctuated as follows:
“Oh, Jack,” she whispered, looking down at the packed lunch, still in her hand. “I must get you to a doctor before the stress kills both of us.”
I’m currently involved in a very heated discussion on a forum for writers about an odd US use of quotation marks in story telling dialogues.
Before I go to far I’ll agree up front that the usage of dropping the closing quotation mark in a multi-paragraph quotation that is a common things. However, as per some on-line resources like wikipedia and Purdue University the preferred presentation is in a block quote style and it only applies to where you’re quoting someone else’s speech or writing.
The problem I’m having at the moment is where some new US authors are applying this same drop the closing quote thing in dialogue they are writing while also cutting the dialogue up without using identifier tags for short paragraphs using this system.
From what I can see in wikipedia, Purdue, and a few other sources, and what I was taught in school, the convention of the dropped closing quote should never be used in created dialogue in a story. I checked your site on this and found it didn’t cover this conflicting usage. O note you mention the two most influential US style manuals, both of which are intended for use by print media and students and I’m sure they properly cover quoting other speakers, as in quoting a presidential speech, as against dialogue in a fiction story.
Can you please advise how you see this situation.
We’re on your side, and so is The Chicago Manual of Style. In its “Speech, Dialogue, and Conversation” section on quotation marks, Chicago recommends a change in speaker be indicated by ending quotation marks and a new paragraph.
I proofreading a manuscript for a friend and came across to areas of dialogue that I find puzzling.
(The book is a book written for Christians who would be familiar with the term “Word” to mean Bible and the capitalization of deity references.)
The two sentences are as follows:
1. “But I have the Word,” we might say. “Shouldn’t that be enough?”
2. Ask Jesus this question: What are Your plans for my life?
Are either of these correct, and if not, how should they read?
Thank you.
In number 2, we would not capitalize “Your” as both the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook recommend lowercase for pronouns referring to God or Jesus. Otherwise, both 1 and 2 are acceptable.
I am not sure the correct way to write the two following thoughts.
“Allez, on y va. Il est temps de sortir de ma bulle à la fin,” I told myself. Come on. It’s time for me to finally reach out of my bubble. (The second line is in italics.)
Would the two lines both be in italics or quotes? I’m trying to differentiate the English from the French, and also want to let the reader know what the French line means.
Italics can be used for isolated words and phrases in a foreign language if they are likely to be unfamiliar to readers. If you decide to italicize the French phrase, you have to use quotation marks for your inner dialogue. Both lines should be treated consistently.
“Allez, on y va. Il est temps de sortir de ma bulle à la fin,” I told myself. “Come on. It’s time for me to finally reach out of my bubble.”
I’m told that in the below example you cannot have a question mark after drugged, because it is in the middle of a sentence.
Had he been drugged, he wondered.
However, if I choose to make it a first person thought and italicise that thought, then it would have a question mark.
Have I been drugged? he wondered
Internal dialogue is used by authors to indicate what a character is thinking. There should be a question mark after the word drugged, but the exact thoughts should either be in quotation marks or italics. The sentence ends in a period.
“Have I been drugged?” he wondered. OR
Have I been drugged? he wondered.
“Had he been drugged, he wondered,” should not have a question mark as it is not a direct question. It is similar to “He wondered if he had been drugged.”
If only one word in the sentence is in italics, should the punctuation immediately after the italicised word be in italics also?
For example: Why am I so stupid? If stupid is italicised, should the ? Also be italicised?
I am finding a lot of varying opinions on this?
Thank you for your help.
There should not be varying opinions on this. The question mark belongs with the sentence, and is therefore written in the font of the main or surrounding text. In your example, the sentence may be considered internal dialogue, all of which may be written in italics: Why am I so stupid? However, if the question is being asked out loud, and for some reason you decide to use italics to emphasize just the word stupid, the question mark is part of the question as a whole, and does not belong only to the last word: “Why am I so stupid?”
I’m writing a short story and I’m getting conflicted suggestions on what I need to do. My story is being written in first person POV but also has times where it seems she is speaking in her head. I’m being told to put these lines in italic. The problem is that in one of the chapters it has flash backs which I’m being told should also be placed in italics to alert the reader it is taking place in the past. In my opinion it would confuse the reader to see italics being used for two different reasons…not to mention I’m not sure how I’d even work the “past” portion where she talks/makes comments in her head.
As we explained in the blog, if you choose to write the exact thoughts of a character, it is called internal dialogue. You can either use quotation marks or italics. We recommend that you choose one and remain consistent throughout your story. You do not need to put flashbacks in italics unless it is a character’s exact words or thoughts. It will be up to you to give the readers enough information so that they know which scenes are from the past.
Similar question as others have on this thread, with one exception. If you use italics for internal dialogue, is it even necessary to write “he thought” or “he wondered?”
For example:
Henry felt the tickle of a sharp blade across his throat and a soft warmth wash down his neck. I’m going to die.
Or is this necessary:
Henry felt the tickle of a sharp blade across his throat and a soft warmth wash down his neck. I’m going to die, he thought.
There is no rule that says you must include phrases such as “he thought” or “he wondered” with italics.
My question is about capitalization inside quoted dialogue. I thought the following was the proper way:
Mike said, “yep, I’m always ready.”
But then in examples about other questions concerning comma and period location, I’ve seen examples like this:
Mike said, “Yep, I’m always ready.”
So should the quote start with a capital letter or not.
Thanks!
A quote should generally start with a capital letter if the quote is a complete sentence, as in this case.
What about if you are writing something like “He’s lucky he doesn’t get punched in the face he thought to himself.” or “I just want to punch him in the face he thought to himself”
Also do you put “he thought to himself” after everything?
As stated in the blog, your sentences can be punctuated as follows:
“He’s lucky he doesn’t get punched in the face,” he thought to himself. OR He’s lucky he doesn’t get punched in the face, he thought to himself.
“I just want to punch him in the face,” he thought to himself. OR I just want to punch him in the face he thought to himself.
There is no rule that says you must include phrases such as “he thought to himself.” It is up to you to communicate to the reader that it is internal dialogue.
I’m confused so you don’t have to put thoughts in quotation marks?
As the blog states, you can use italics instead of quotation marks. It is a matter of preference.
How would you write “I just wanted to say Thank you so much”?
I just wanted to say, “Thank you so much.”
I have written a novel that concerns a young conscientious objector coming of age in the late 1960’s. He is haunted by memories of his early childhood, his father’s death and the loss of friends. There are dream sequences, and in them a voice of reason that I call ‘the dream voice’. This voice sometimes offers insight, but it also taunts and criticizes the character. I have the first person POV as the protagonist talking to himself through ‘the dream voice’, but I have been told not to use italics to differentiate the two. However, I have heard it is expectable.
Should I use italics for the characters introspective dialogue in order to clarify the conversation? I have also used third person omniscient POV as a narrative, which I know complicates things, but I feel it is necessary to advance the action of the story.
Can someone offer some advice? This is my forth rewrite and I am exhausted.
We recommend using either italics or quotation marks for the introspective dialogue.
I’m writing a children’s book and would like to use both 1st & 3rd person POV.
1st person present tense when the character is speaking and 3rd person past tense for everything else.
I have two questions. First about present/past tense with thoughts, and second, having to write the word ‘thought’:
Is it okay to use 1st person present and past tense for thoughts? Example (is/thought/were): All of a sudden, a frog landed in the water. “Oh my, that frog is pink! I thought all frogs were green!” Maggie thought.
Also, there are multiple characters in the book. Is it necessary to put ‘she thought’ or ‘Maggie thought’ (for example) when it’s obvious the main character is doing the thinking? So, can I use ‘thought’ when she’s with other characters and leave it off when she’s alone (as long as I’m consistent throughout the book)?
Thank you.
Yes, it is fine to use first person present and past tense for thoughts. There is no rule that says you must include phrases such as “she thought,” as long as it is clear that it is internal dialogue.
When writing transcriptions (UK) and reporting what someone had thought I wonder if it’s ok not to put a capital at the start of the reported thought?
As he talked to me I was like, ‘why did he say that?’
When reporting what someone said I’d put a capital:
As I walked along he said to me, ‘Why did he say that to you?’
Is this ok?
In most cases we recommend capitalizing when the quoted material is a complete sentence, as in your example.
Sometimes my characters think and speak in a short sequence. “George,” she said, thinking, ‘did he hear me?’
I would like to use the single quotation marks to distinguish between quoted internal dialogue and speech. Am I all alone on this?
We recommend using regular quotation marks or italics for internal dialogue.
What should I do if a character is thinking about something someone else said? For instance: Sarah recalled again what Mother had said about the First World War. “In the mountains of Michigan we weren’t really involved with it, yet it cast a shadow over our whole lives,” she’d said.
Should this also be italicized since it is part of Sarah’s thoughts?
The quotation is presumably an accurate report of what Sarah’s mother said. We advise against italicizing.
So what if it’s in present tense and a character is thinking? Do you write “I think” or “I thought” because to me “I think” sounds weird for example:
I brush my hand against the glass, ‘If only’, I thought/I think.
If you are writing the story in first person, write “I think” to indicate present tense. “I thought” indicates past tense.
As I was leaving the house I could see poor Pickle peeking his head through the curtain with his glum and still ugly face. All I could think was “That poor little dog.”.
Is this right?
For your second sentence we recommend:
All I could think was, “That poor little dog.”
I’m writing using a transcript format, so in my case, individuals are speaking constantly, (without using quotes), therefore I’m wondering how to punctuate the following example:
Mel: I thought. . . Well how much evidence do I need?! I mean. . . Seriously, what would it take to convince this person? Who does he think I am, especially considering we’ve only had this short conversation?! If he thinks I’m delusional well. . . I give up!
Should the: Well how much evidence to I need?!
be in a single quote, double quote, or italicized, or just left as is.
Another example, (similar):
Adrian: I had the exact opposite experience, I love confrontation so I thought “Oh you think I’m delusional do you? Well then. . . Let me prove you wrong!!”
(I’ve left the double quotes as that’s how I have had it punctuate up until now).
Thanks.
All the choices you mention for your first example are valid except for single quotation marks, which are not an option. In your second example, we would put a comma after “thought” and lowercase “Let,” after changing the ellipsis before it to a long dash. We also strongly recommend deleting the second exclamation point: “Well then—let me prove you wrong!”
What if the character is thinking about a dialogue he has had in the past. How would you write this?
We need more specific information to give you a recommendation.
What if I want to replace quotation marks or italics by Hyphens when a character is thinking or saying something in a conversation? can it be suitable when correcting style in English narrative texts or not?…for example:
instead of using quotes
He looked at it carefully, then he said:
“No. This sheep is already very sickly. Make me another.”
I use hyphens
—No! This sheep is already very sickly. Make me another. So I made another drawing.
em dashes I mean for beginning a sentence or hyphens in the middle,,,
— It doesn’t matter -He answered me- Draw me a sheep!
To us, this is frankly too confusing and distracting to be practical. But writing is very personal; follow your muse.
First, a point of information. You are not using hyphens. You are using dashes. Some writers do it this way, but we recommend standard quotation marks.
If you use italics for inner, unspoken thoughts, do you need to indicate in words they are thinking or are italics explicit enough?
There is no rule that says you must include phrases such as “he thought.” The italics should make it clear, in most cases, that it is internal dialogue.
I’m writing a book, and I would like to know if I’m using correct punctuations.
Ex)
She said that, she enjoys being happy and in fact, feeling happy makes her day go by much easier
We recommend writing it this way:
She said that she enjoys being happy, and, in fact, feeling happy makes her day go by much easier.
Do you go on to the next line.
The police arrived shortly to bar the crime scene.
“Officer how is the victim,” my mother asked.
“She been shot in the right shoulder but she’s lucky she survived.”
Your sentences do not represent internal dialogue, and they contain several errors. If the next line is relevant to the topic of the paragraph, go to the next line. If not, start a new paragraph. We’re not familiar with “bar the crime scene.”
The police arrived shortly to “tape off” (or “cordon off”) the crime scene.
“Officer, how is the victim?” my mother asked.
“She’s been shot in the right shoulder, but she’s lucky she survived.”
I’m writing a story in which two people are communicating through a website’s messaging system. For example: Stella thought for a bit then wrote, “How do you know I’m not tall and blonde?” My question is whether I should use quotation marks, as I did above, even though it is not spoken language but rather being written on one computer screen and being read on another.
Yes, the quotation marks are fine.
I was wondering do I put quotation marks if asking a question to someone? Example: why do you write so much or what are you writing?
Thank you for your input and helping me out.
Quotation marks are used when you are writing a direct (word-for-word) quotation. Examples:
“Why do you write so much?” Bill asked.
“What are you writing?” I asked my mother.
Mr. Harris inquired, “Have you ever been to Morocco?”
Please see our post Question Marks with Quotation Marks for more information.
You are a big help. I am having trouble punctuating this. I want to use italics instead of quotation marks.
Oh, my… What strange people these are, was the thought that lingered in Aynur’s mind.
There are many other ways to punctuate the sentence, but we chose to do so as close to your example as possible.
Oh, my… What strange people these are, was the thought that lingered in Aynur’s mind.
My book is written in the Chicago Manual of Style, so should “where” and “he” be capitalized in the middle of the sentence or not?
I have 2 sentences:
Later, we exchanged another glance—his glance lingering a little longer than mine—and all I could think was, Where do I know that guy from?
(Where do I know that guy from- is italicized. I’m not sure why I can’t modify her in the comments box.)
Or
Later, we exchanged another glance—his glance lingering a little longer than
mine—and all I could think was, where do I know that guy from?
Strangely and unexpectedly, I thought, He doesn’t like me. (once again- He doesn’t like me is also italicized)
Or
Strangely and unexpectedly, I thought, he doesn’t like me.
In Chicago style, neither “where” nor “he” would ordinarily require capitalization in your examples; however, the unorthodox presence of italics would seem to justify capitalizing. So as long as you retain the italics, we endorse the caps.
In the case that the character has another personality within him, how do I make it so that personality A is distinguishable from personality B? I’ve been using quotations for one and italics for the other up to this point but I’m not clear about it.
There are no formal rules for this kind of creative writing. You could create names for each personality and treat them as separate individuals or continue to do what you are doing.
If you are italicizing an inner thought in prose, do you italicize the surrounding punctuation as well? Like if you wrote: My God! I thought, and the My God part was italicized, would the exclamation mark be italicized also?
Yes. Please see our reply of March 30, 2014, to KC.
I have a short story in which Spanish characters appear. I have italicized the short sections where the text of what they are thinking appears in English. This works fine. But occasionally in the story, words appear in dialogue, such as this: “Estoy molido,” said the man, as he pulled out of the driveway. Should that just go in quotation marks like I have it?
Your example sentence is grammatically correct.
I’ve enjoyed your explanations of questions.
My short story is based on a true story about a dog. Most of it is in past tense from the dog’s POV. Any internal thoughts are in italics. In the last paragraph, the dog is speaking about his current situation in present tense. Should it be written with regular script, italics, or quotation marks? Here is the beginning of the final paragraph.
I’ve come a long way from those bleak days of being lonely and despondent, chained to a tree, chafed by a heavy collar. Now I’m in dog heaven: I have my own castle, my own bed, etc.
Thank you.
We recommend staying with italics.
Can we end a narrative essay with a thought?
I just laughed at it and thought, Now everyone can see how my mom can be. Could I end it like that so it could be my concluding statement?
The sentence could be punctuated as you have it, or as follows:
I just laughed at it and thought, Now everyone can see how my mom can be. OR
I just laughed at it and thought, “Now everyone can see how my mom can be.”
There is no rule against ending a narrative essay with a thought. A creative writing expert could advise whether the sentence is a proper concluding statement to your essay.
so, I’m kinda in a pinch. Firstly, I don’t think the structure of this sentence is right, then I’m not sure if that first period should be there. After that, I’m not sure if the S should be capitalized or not.
And still as bratty, I see. She chuckled.
OR
“and still as bratty, I see.” She chuckled.
It’s kinda weird without the quotation marks though. help?
Part of the reason the structure does not look right may be because the quotation “and still as bratty, I see,” is not a complete sentence. However, this could represent spoken dialogue where sentences are not always correct. There should be a comma instead of a period before the closing quotation marks, and the s in she should not be capitalized: “And still as bratty, I see,” she chuckled.
I’ve been hired to transcribe video dialogue and I need to figure out how to punctuate the following sentence:
So in brushing the teeth, maybe it’s just that sparkly clean feeling that you feel like, Okay, I’ve done it and my mouth feels fresh and good. Maybe it’s an emotional feeling like, Okay, now I can get closer to the people I love and not worry that they’re going to be offended by my breath.
Should the internal dialogue beginning with “Okay” be italicized? Does it need quotations? Capitalization?
Thank you!
You can use quotation marks or italics. It is a matter of preference. Your capitalization is fine.
So in brushing the teeth, maybe it’s just that sparkly clean feeling that you feel like, “Okay, I’ve done it and my mouth feels fresh and good.”
Maybe it’s an emotional feeling like, “Okay, now I can get closer to the people I love and not worry that they’re going to be offended by my breath.” OR
So in brushing the teeth, maybe it’s just that sparkly clean feeling that you feel like, Okay, I’ve done it and my mouth feels fresh and good.
Maybe it’s an emotional feeling like, Okay, now I can get closer to the people I love and not worry that they’re going to be offended by my breath.
Can the apostrophe be used for internal dialogue / thought ?
You are probably referring to single quotation marks rather than apostrophes. Regardless, as we demonstrate in the post, we recommend using double quotation marks or italics for internal dialogue or thought.
American-style question: What do you do in the occurrence of internal dialogue that actually directly quotes other people/remembrances, and then transitions into full-on vocal dialogue. If thoughts in italics are technically treated the same as thoughts with double quotes, then shouldn’t the direct quotes within internal dialogue be single quotation marks? Otherwise there is no differentiation from the vocal dialogue. Example:
The words I hear are always the same . . . ‘You can’t succeed.’ “Oh, yeah? Just watch me!” she yelled in defiance. (All of this is happening at once from one person; the call-and-response is internal to external.)
IF the above can be correct, it raises questions about the rules for me that I’m trying to understand: [Is it] “Tall guy, red hair.” The words of John replayed in his head from earlier in the day. [or] ‘Tall guy, red hair.’ The words of John replayed in his head from earlier in the day. [If words of the past are being repeated to someone in their head, then it is technically a quote of a quote, and therefore would seemingly be single quotation marks, which would help reduce confusion of the words being spoken out loud. What would you say?]
I am curious what your take is on a complicated prose case like this. Thank you.
Although we do not have the full context from which to work, we will assume that you are using italics to indicate thought, italics within quotation marks to indicate exact quotations within thought, standard type to indicate narration, and standard type within quotation marks to indicate exact spoken words. Therefore, we recommend:
The words I hear are always the same . . . “You can’t succeed.”
“Oh, yeah? Just watch me!” she yelled in defiance.
“Tall guy, red hair,” the words of John replayed in his head from earlier in the day.
I am trying to figure out the correct grammar for a particular few sentences. It is to do with speech vs thoughts.
“we should grab a coffee,”
(‘Absolutely not!’)
“i’d love to!”
In this, I am trying to portray that person A says line one, and person B thinks line two and then says line three.
How can I show this through correct grammar?
There is no rule that says you must include phrases such as “he thought” or “she said”; however, it is up to you to give enough information to communicate to the reader that there is internal dialogue and which character is speaking. One possibility:
“We should grab a coffee.”
Absolutely not! “I’d love to!”
Is it necessary to use italics or quotations if the piece is a POV essay? Half of the story includes thoughts but does not say “I thought.”
Example:
My muscles ache. Tears burn my eyes. It’s so close. It’s almost mine. If only I were a little taller, I could reach. A little smarter, I could find a way. I will find a way.
Why?! Why does it allude me? I slam my fist into the wall, screaming into the darkness.
We recommend using either italics or quotation marks to indicate the exact thoughts of your character as opposed to descriptions of what’s taking place. (Note that you likely intended “elude” rather than “allude.”)
When your character starts thinking or saying something, do you start on a new line? Or do you only start on a new line after your character has spoken?
Example: The gunman makes his way over to the corner of the café and bends down. “What do we do now, Shawn?” I asked.
or
The gunman makes his way over to the corner of the café and bends down.
“What do we do now, Shawn?” I asked.
You should start a new line when there is a change in the person who is speaking. There is no requirement to begin a new line when changing between narration or description and dialogue; it’s up to the author. We favor your first example.
How do you write this properly?
The silence in the room was broken by the thoughts in my head, “these people are insane.”
As the post indicates, you may use quotation marks or italics for internal dialogue.
The silence in the room was broken by the thoughts in my head, “These people are insane.” OR
The silence in the room was broken by the thoughts in my head, These people are insane.
I don’t understand how italics works? A character thought with italics included doesn’t looks different from the original one.
As you can see from the second example, the words “Charles thought” are in standard type, making it even more apparent that the portion in italics represents his thoughts.
How do I express the word thought in the sentence…And I just thought I was going to get a tan.
Your sentence is an indirect quotation. Therefore, neither italics nor quotation marks are needed.
If a character is dreaming and a secondary character is in the dream speaking, would I italicize because it is a dream thought by the original character and the place the thought in quotation marks because they are the words of a secondary character? EX: “We’re lost,” said a voice in Henrik’s mind. Should I italicize that quotation?
You may use either quotation marks or italics.
Which is better, using the italics or the quotation marks or leaving it in the context used below
Do I have a family? How old am I? Can I even move? I attempt to move my hand, to my surprise it moves. Okay, I can move lets work with this. Whole body please move and stand up. Standing is more difficult than I thought. I feel what I can guess is pain because my body stops trying. UGH.
THANKS
This appears to be a character’s direct internal dialogue; therefore, you may use either quotation marks or italics.
I’ve scoured the web for this one…
What if I am writing a book within a book (where the main character of the book I am writing is also writing a book that is included in my book) and the 2nd book is all italicized in individual chapters? Consider the following sentence in italics:
If there was one thing that would help her find strength at this moment, it would be the thought of him. “Where is my Logan?” she thought, “I need to help him, where is he?”
Are the quotation marks necessary or should a different font be used? Or should I quit writing?
If passages from the book that the character is writing appear in italics, it would seem that the quotation marks are necessary to avoid confusion.
This doesn’t have really have to do with internal dialogues, but it’s still about grammar.
So for example, if two characters are talking to each other like this:
“Hello!” he said.
“Hi!” I replied.
Is it small h or big H?
Because you have already closed your quotation marks.
So my question is when you have closed your quotations should the following letter be big or small.
The word following the closing quotation marks should be lowercased unless it is a proper name or the pronoun I.
Can you use both Italics and quotation marks in one story?
If you are asking about whether it is acceptable to use both italics and quotation marks to indicate internal dialogue, we recommend choosing one or the other and remaining consistent throughout the story. However, you may certainly use italics for internal dialogue and quotation marks for words spoken aloud in a story.
What if I’m already using italics for something? Such as the click of a camera and then a thought.
If you use italics to indicate a click of a camera, you may then use quotation marks around the exact thoughts of a character (internal dialogue).
In technical document writing, is it okay to use first person and third person POV in any part of the write up?
Most writers of formal technical documents avoid using first person. However, an occasional I or we can be appropriate.
Can you use italics with quote marks if you’re recalling in a dream-like state what someone said to you? For example: the words of Simba’s father echoed in his mind, “Remember…remember me, Simba.” (quote written in italics).
Since this is an exact quote that is not verbalized, we recommend using either quotation marks or italics.
If you are thinking thoughts to yourself do you use single or double quotation marks
Example: ‘How did I end up here? On my back, tied down and suffocating on the rancid fumes of coke and ice.’ ‘How did a beautiful day, start with listening to the fifth symphony, yet end, in a nightmare from hell?’ ‘All I wanted was to meet my ‘mystery man’, but uncovering the mystery, opened a web of lies.’ ‘Why didn’t I stop and look at the report on tv? I may not even be here if I did.’
Or
“How did I end up here? On my back, tied down and suffocating on the rancid fumes of coke and ice.” “How did a beautiful day, start with listening to the fifth symphony, yet end, in a nightmare from hell?” “All I wanted was to meet my ‘mystery man’, but uncovering the mystery, opened a web of lies.” “Why didn’t I stop and look at the report on tv? I may not even be here if I did.”
If you introduce this passage such that it is clearly direct internal dialogue, then you may use quotation marks or italics. For example:
Awakening, I thought, “How did I end up here on my back, tied down and suffocating on the rancid fumes of coke and ice? How did a beautiful day start with listening to the fifth symphony yet end in a nightmare from hell? All I wanted was to meet my ‘mystery man,’ but uncovering the mystery opened a web of lies. Why didn’t I stop and look at the report on tv? I may not even be here if I did.”
What is the correct way to show internal dialogue if it is prayer – with God, whether a private prayer or a set prayer?
Thank you.
I have The Blue Book but cannot find the answer.
If the prayer is the exact words in the character’s thoughts, then the first-person examples in the article would apply.
When students are handwriting rather than typing, should they use quotation marks for both?
For handwritten work, italics are certainly not an option. Yes, use quotation marks for both spoken and direct internal dialogue.
Yet another take on this question. I am editing a piece in third-person limited p.o.v. The main character, George, at one point is listening to another character speak about what she was thinking before. So it’s like this:
“I’m happy, George,” she said. “Every day I wake up and think, I shouldn’t even be alive. But I am.”
I think that “I shouldn’t even be alive” should either use single quotations or italics, but the author I’m editing disagrees.
There’s another place in the manuscript where a bunch of different voices are being quoted from memory, but all run together, like so:
A bunch of women would always come into the room and complain. My toes hurt. Or, My head hurts. Or, even, I feel like vomiting.
I believe we should use quotation marks around each one, but the author is resisting that, too. Do you know of good sources (like CMS) that answer these questions. I can’t find the exact solutions except in my own grammarian’s heart.
The areas you identify are some in which no hard-and-fast rules apply. Rather, they are more authorial style decisions, particularly in fiction writing. Here are some potentially efficient and accurate ways the text you cite could be treated:
“I’m happy, George,” she said. “Every day I wake up and think I shouldn’t even be alive. But I am.” (Neither a comma nor single quotation marks are necessary for meaning or clarity.)
“A bunch of women would always come into the room and complain: My toes hurt. My head hurts. Or even sometimes I feel like vomiting.
If I am writing in third person limited and I write a sentence with internal dialogue, do I have to follow it with “he/she thought”?
Ex: Callan heard a knock on the door. Speak of the devil.
There is no rule that says you must include phrases such as “he thought” or “she said”; however, it is up to you to give enough information to communicate to the reader that there is internal dialogue and which character is speaking. For example:
Callan heard a knock on the door. Speak of the devil.
I’m writing my first novel and I have a character in the beginning of my book which I want to refer to as basically just a title for example:The Teacher. The reader will eventually discover “The Teacher” name but for now I just want to call him the Teacher. Here are some examples of what I’m having trouble with.
Which one of these would be right? This would be the first appearance of the Teacher. Ex 1:
1. Billy walked through the front door of his home to discover “The Teacher” sitting in his dad’s favorite chair.
2. Billy walked through the front door of his home to discover ‘The Teacher’ sitting in his dad’s favorite chair.
3. Billy walked through the front door of his home to discover The Teacher(Italics) sitting in his dad’s favorite chair. (Couldn’t figure out how to make it Italics in this reply box)
Which one of there would be right? This would be after the first appearance but is being referred to as a person in dialogue. Ex 2:
1.“It’s time we had a chat, Billy.” replies The Teacher while crossing his legs and pointing to the couch next to him.
2.“It’s time we had a chat, Billy.” replies the Teacher while crossing his legs and pointing to the couch next to him.
3.“It’s time we had a chat, Billy.” replies the teacher while crossing his legs and pointing to the couch next to him.
Which one of there would be right? This would be after the first appearance but used as a reference of the person instead of in a dialogue. Ex 3:
1.Bill flops his backpack down and walks around the couch and take a sit next to The Teacher, he crosses his arms and waits the lecture.
2.Bill flops his backpack down and walks around the couch and take a sit next to the Teacher, he crosses his arms and waits the lecture.
3.Bill flops his backpack down and walks around the couch and take a sit next to the teacher, he crosses his arms and waits the lecture.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks
There are no hard-and-fast rules about this. We recommend writing the Teacher (without quotation marks or italics) as it offers the mystery and prominence you’re wanting to achieve with a touch of subtlety.
I want to put italics in this sentence, but will it make sense or will I have to get rid of the question mark? ex. How do I get him out? I thought to myself, I can’t do it by myself.
The question mark is fine. The repetition of the word myself seems awkward. We recommend:
How do I get him out? I thought, I can’t do it by myself. OR
How do I get him out? I thought. I can’t do it by myself.
This is not about internal dialogues but is still about grammar dialogues nonetheless.
So let´s say I am writing a dialogue between one or two people. When and why is the reason I would put a comma instead of a period at the dialogue?
For example,
“I don’t understand.” He muttered, “you are a traitor,”
VS
“I do not understand,” he muttered. “You are a traitor.”
Would I capitalize the “you” in the second sentence or keep it lowercase?
Also, would the “he” be capitalized or not?
Lastly, would there be a comma after “muttered” or a period instead?
I know this is a lot of questions, but it would really help with my writing if I could get all this cleared up.
Thanks!!
A dialogue is between two or more people. We cannot clear anything up for you without more information about who is speaking the words.
When writing dialogue where a character is speaking and is “interrupted” by their own thoughts, would I write the sentence like this: “That’s nice, but you don’t need to be worried about me. I’m-” hurting “-fine.” (with hurting italicized)
We recommend the following:
“That’s nice, but you don’t need to be worried about me. I’m
hurting
fine.”
In the following paragraph, do I need to start a new paragraph for the internal dialogue?
Miss Mary arrived five minutes late. She sat down and gave thanks for the dinner they were about to eat. The children looked at the food and frowned. They were getting tired of the same old food, day after day. “I don’t want to eat this garbage again!” thought Sam.
Either is fine; it’s a matter of writer’s preference.
…and doesn’t like “sentimental crap,” as she calls it. “Minimal possessions means minimal maintenance.” I know that she…
Should the quoted parts be ‘quoted’ or italicized. I;m leaning towards them being italicized as to not confuse the reader.
Also, when using the word ‘gestured’, can it be used without being followed by ‘towards’ as in:
“The teacher gestured the board.”
INSTEAD OF
“The teacher gestured towards the board.”
when the teacher is stood in front of the board?
I understand the use of ‘gestured towards’ if, for instance, someone is gesturing towards something in the distance or out of direct sight. But if they are gesturing at a specific thing or something nearby, like a pen on a desk, should the ‘towards’ be left out?
“Sign your name.” She gestured the pen on the desk.
OR
“Sign your name.” She gestured towards the pen on the desk.
Whichever is correct (or matter of choice), does this also apply if a person gestures their own or someone else’s appearance:
“Look at me. I’m a mess.” She gestures herself.
OR
“Look at me. I’m a mess.” She gestures towards herself.
Thanks in advance!
From what you have provided, we are unable to tell whether your initial lines apply to internal dialogue.
We recommend you use toward or towards in your “gesture” sentences.
For continuous internal dialogue, is it ok to have the speech marks at the very first thought and then right at the end of the last thought? Instead of at the beginning and end of each thought?
Yes, as long as the thoughts are continuous and those of a single character.
Which usage is correct and/or preferred and why? “Where is he?” she thought. or “Where is he?” She thought.
We prefer the first option. This makes it clear that the quotation is internal dialogue. We see no reason to make it two sentences.
Is this internal dialogue and does it need quotation marks:
Then I was thinking how would I fix the ship or can I build a little house until I build my ship and fly home
I was thinking it should look like this:
Then I was thinking, “how would I fix the ship or can I build a little house until I build my ship and fly home?”
If these are the exact words as thought by the character, then this is direct internal dialogue. Our Rule 2a of Quotation Marks says, “Always capitalize the first word in a complete quotation, even midsentence.” Also, our Rule 3b of Commas says, “In sentences where two independent clauses are joined by connectors such as and, or, but, etc., put a comma at the end of the first clause.” Therefore, the following is correct:
Then I was thinking, “How would I fix the ship, or can I build a little house until I build my ship and fly home?”
However, if these are not the exact words, you could write:
Then I was thinking about how I would fix the ship, or could I build a little house until I build my ship and fly home.
How would I write this out?
All we can say to ourselves is, “What the heck were we thinking back then?”
It’s not an internal dialogue, but something you would say to yourself, maybe after regret.
Your sentence is fine as written.
I’d like to know if writing thoughts in italics is a recent trend or has it been done for a long time?
I clearly remember learning in American elementary school that external talking dialogue should start and finish with “double quote marks” and internal thinking dialogue with ‘single quote marks’. Was I taught wrong?
Bty english is not my first language and i’ve gone to both American schools and British schools so my english learning experience is very complicated.
It’s not necessarily a matter of being taught incorrectly. Rules and practices change over time. Now that computers and printers are everywhere, almost everyone has access to italics. We used to place book titles in quotation marks, but now we use italics. We have books in our library published over forty years ago using italics for internal dialogue. Style guides are now recommending single quotation marks only for quotations within quotations.
How would I do this?
During the race, his thoughts changed from, “one more try” to “I can win.” During the final stretch Mills was in third place. His thoughts again shifted from, “I can win” to “I won, I won, I won.”
During the race, his thoughts changed from “one more try” to “I can win.” During the final stretch Mills was in third place. His thoughts again shifted from “I can win” to “I won, I won, I won.”
This website really helped. Thanks to the authors of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation; you helped me pass my English GCSEs!
I have a similar dilemma. In my story, a character is mouthing words to another character so that she can get her point across without being heard. Should I put this in quotes or should I just keep it in italics as if it were a thought?
Here is the specific excerpt in case I was not clear.
Looking at the woman she mouthed,
*If they catch us they’ll burn us too.*
Either quotation marks or italics would be fine.
How do I show thinking if the website I upload to doesn’t support italics, especially with questions? I am writing a Super Mario Bros fanfiction, and I ended up with this sentence because they don’t support italics.
Wow, are we really the only kingdom to have platforming sections? Luigi quietly thought to himself.
I think it looks weird, but I can’t think of any better way to write it. Is there any better way to write it?
As the post says, either italics or quotation marks can be used for internal dialogue. Therefore, write the following:
“Wow, are we really the only kingdom to have platforming sections?” Luigi thought to himself.
I want to say to whoever is writing the responses: Great job! You’re so patient and helpful!
I haven’t been able to find anything on second person thoughts, and was wondering how you would format a quote that someone gave me in an interview I’m transcribing:
But you think, Well, you’re 75. How much longer are you going to live?
I originally put quotations around the thought, but am not 100% sure if that’s how I should punctuate the quote or if I should punctuate it at all because it’s in the second person.
As you can see from some of the comments and responses above, there are no universally agreed-upon rules about internal dialogue. However, whether second or first person, these words still represent exact thoughts as written. We would recommend either quotation marks or italics for the words after “think.”
I have a character who often mistakenly thinks out loud. Would I put quotations around the spoken thought or write it as a thought and then explain that it was not meant to be said aloud.
If the character is speaking aloud, we recommend using quotation marks. Also see our post Internal Dialogue: Italics or Quotes?
I’m sorry if this question has already been asked. I was wondering how you differentiate between two different POVs? I have written a chapter for each character in the past but this doesn’t flow in the way that I want it too. Any suggestions? Thank you.
We are unsure whether you are asking about first vs. third person points of view, or the points of view of two characters. Perhaps our responses to “bigsonny” of February 8 and 20 of 2012, will be of help.
I am unsure if I can put dialogue, in this case, internal dialogue, right in the middle of a paragraph. The paragraph is related and it is all connected. Should I leave it in, or do I need to make a separate paragraph? Dialogue is so often separated and I’m trying to learn exactly how to separate it. Also should the “t” in the word “that” in “that tiny part” be capitalized? Here is the example:
Another bomb was falling across town somewhere as she double knotted her first shoe with trained deftness. The noise was like an unbearably shrill whistle threatening to break the glass in the windows followed by a screaming shaking concussion that made everything in her room rattle violently. It was as if her belongings, furniture and even the house itself were trembling against the bomb’s assault, like little animals cowering in fear as their home and safety were maliciously invaded. Deena felt like cowering and trembling too. Part of her was cringing, recoiling against the truth of the event. “It can’t be really happening!” that tiny part of her shrieked in denial and cowardice, but her training and true self took over. Her body was moving almost without her command. She had done this hundreds of times in the drills. “Just keep moving,” she told herself, “you know how to do this.”
It is up to the author whether to keep the text of the internal dialogue within the same paragraph as the narrative or as separate paragraphs. Another approach would be to italicize the internal dialogue and use the subsequent text as attribution:
It can’t be really happening! that tiny part of her shrieked in denial and cowardice… [the exclamation point overrides the need for a comma]
Just keep moving, she told herself. You know how to do this.
It’s been mentioned here that either italics or quotes are acceptable for internal dialog. This seems correct. But are there cases when using neither of those would be correct, or OK?
I am writing in 1st-person in Historical Present Tense (rather than simple past or simple present tense) and this places the temporal position of the reader adjacent to the narrator/viewpoint character as if they are present in the scene and able to read that character’s mind. The style is very conversational, and the upshot of that is that all of the protagonist’s inner thoughts are readily accessible to the reader.
So, being in 1st-person, all thoughts (other than spoken dialog) are technically internal thoughts or observations. But some are more immediate than others. For instance, the character might say ‘Wait. What was that sound?’ (without the quotes—those are only used here to enclose the thought here, out of that context).
My feeling is that enclosing that in quotes would be confusing to the reader and imply spoken dialog, especially since there is also a lot of dialog in the scene (the thought is not meant to be spoken out loud). But since all the thought patterns of the protagonist are also readily available to the reader, it seems unnecessary to italicize a particular thought like this, even if this immediate. The reader already knows they can hear all of the protagonist’s thoughts, as that has been well-established ahead of time. I think that having some of the narration italicized and some not italicized (all of which are internal thoughts) would also be confusing, so I am using neither quotes or italics for such a thought in most cases.
Is there a rule or guideline that actually requires italics or quotes in such a case? In other words, would this be a violation of convention or is it more up to the author’s choice? The larger goal is to not confuse the reader, which is why this feels like the right choice to me. I welcome your opinion.
Our recommendation of italics or quotation marks for internal dialogue are based on the prevailing recommendations of leading reference books. However, there are no absolutely required rules. For instance, according to The Chicago Manual of Style, “Thought … may be enclosed in quotation marks or not, according to the context or the writer’s preference.” If you are writing for publication by a publishing house, your editor will recommend a convention to follow.
“It’s the same old thing, day after day…”, he thought to himself. “… What a bore…”
How should this be written instead?
You could also write:
“It’s the same old thing, day after day…,” he thought to himself. “What a bore.”
“It’s the same old thing, day after day,” he thought to himself. “What a bore.”
It’s the same old thing, day after day…, he thought to himself. What a bore.
It’s the same old thing, day after day, he thought to himself. What a bore.
Is the example below correct? I’ve read books wherein the pronoun is capitalized if the dialogue ended with a period or a question mark.
“I left it on the table. Didn’t you see it?” He asked.
Regarding internal dialogue for first person pov wherein past tense is used for narration, is it okay that the internal dialogue is in present tense and not italicized because it’s already in first person pov (and bec the internal dialogue is long before shifting into action again)? Ex.
I really don’t understand him. He is just one year older than me but why is he treating me this way? He is always so distant. I sighed heavily as I headed toward the door.
In your first example, “he asked” continues the sentence. Therefore, do not capitalize the pronoun he.
We suggest keeping the content in which the majority of the story is told in regular type (past tense) and the shorter share in italics (present tense).
I really don’t understand him. He is just one year older than me, but why is he treating me this way? He is always so distant.
I sighed heavily as I headed toward the door. (Place this on its own line as it is a separate action.)
what if I’m writing in third person and the character says “lets go out” and the thinks ‘i hope she says yes’ does the thought stay on the same line as the speech or do i make a new line for the thought
ex
“lets go out”, ‘i hope she says yes’ was what he thought
or
“lets go out”
‘i hope she says yes’, was what he thought.
Both sentences can be on the same line. However, to distinguish between what the character says and what he thinks, you might consider using italics for the internal dialogue. It could be written as follows:
“Let’s go out.” I hope she says yes.
I have a question, if I’ve been using quotations throughout my entire story, should I be using quotations for thoughts as well?
And would I hit enter and tab (start a new paragraph) for it ie:
It looked as though he could have been the only person left on the planet. He started to panic,
What the hell is going on here? He thought
To distinguish between what the character says and what he thinks, you might consider using italics for the internal dialogue. It is not necessary to start a new paragraph. It could be written as follows:
It looked as though he could have been the only person left on the planet. He started to panic. What the hell is going on here?
Are there any other words I could use instead of “thought” all the time? I’m writing about people thinking a lot and being able to read each other’s minds.
A thesaurus is a handy tool for finding synonyms. There are many online thesauruses on the Internet. You may need to search the present tense verb think (but also see our response to Zach, below).
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Sometimes “thought” is the best word you can use in your story. I know that using the same word over and over again seems boring but you don’t want to complicate things for the reader too much.
We agree with your observation about uses of the word thought as attributions for internal dialogue. The same can be applied to the use of said in spoken content.
In spoken content, good writing style will seek to capture the speaker’s voice and mood through the words in the quoted text rather than try to push or achieve them with a colorful range of attributive verbs.
A similar principle applies to thought. In skillfully composing internal dialog, a writer should not have to depend on multiple uses of thought to the point of distraction. The attribution should mainly ensure the reader knows content is being expressed mentally rather than verbally; once that is established, the reader should be able to continue with that understanding without constant reminders.
Furthermore, many synonyms of “thought” would become cases of overwriting, as in “he considered,” “she ruminated,” “he reflected,” “she pondered,” “they speculated.”
Can I use italics when a whole crowd of people are speaking at the same time? Like “Cheers!”
While we would need to see the surrounding context to give more-definitive direction, for characters speaking out loud, we recommend using only quotation marks.
I’m writing a book about a serial killer, and I made a character have this feeling. Then I said, ”Was it guilt? Could it have been shame?” Do I have to make that italics or in quotations or just leave it alone, because I don’t know if my readers would understand it was the character’s thoughts since it’s third person.
To distinguish between what the character says and what he or she thinks, you might consider using italics for the character’s exact thoughts (internal dialogue).
Would I italicize the following internal dialogue that follows the spoke aloud dialogue?
“What do you mean you forgot Miguel?” asked Andrew. (would the following text would be italicized?) How could he be so careless? Doesn’t he understand that this assignment is worth fifty percent of our grade? I am barely passing as it is.
If the sentences that follow are Andrew’s exact thoughts, they can be italicized.
“What do you mean you forgot Miguel?” asked Andrew. How could he be so careless? Doesn’t he understand that this assignment is worth fifty percent of our grade? I am barely passing as it is.
Also, put a comma before “Miguel” so we know that you’re talking to Miguel and not that you forgot about him.
This sentence indicates that the person Andrew is speaking to is not Miguel, and that Miguel is a child that was forgotten at a supermarket or a friend that suddenly is forgotten due to amnesia: “What do you mean you forgot Miguel?” asked Andrew.
This sentence indicates that Andrew is talking to Miguel, a friend who forgot something: “What do you mean you forgot, Miguel?” asked Andrew.
Hope that helps, and happy writing!
If Abigail’s intent was that Andrew is speaking directly to Miguel, then a comma should be placed after forgot.
I have been using a style that I have seen no one else use, so I am beginning to think it may be wrong. What I do is that I use BOTH italics and quotations.
Example: After the argument, Robert felt embarrassed. “I should have never done that,” he thought, “he’s going to hate me for acting so immaturely.”
Am I constrained to only use one or the other? Is it a writer’s choice?
We are not aware of any style manual that would advise writing internal dialogue that way—seems like overkill to us. We recommend using either quotation marks or italics, not both.
Which is correct?
He recalled her saying, “I won’t go.”
Or should I place I won’t go in italics? (I’d prefer italics)
Since the quotation is presumably a direct quote from another character, we recommend keeping it in quotation marks.
Could you please help me understand how to correctly write an internal thought as an exclamation?
This is what I wrote but it seems wrong.
“I mean, it’s only been 2 days since we celebrated the 4th of July!” I scream in my head.
Your internal dialogue is punctuated correctly; however, we recommend spelling out the number two. Please see our Rules for Writing Numbers and our post Numbers: Words or Numerals?
Can you italicize inner thoughts when writing in MLA format, or is it better to use quotations?
The answer depends on whether you are quoting from a source that shows a character’s thoughts, writing a character’s thoughts, or editing a text that shows a character’s thoughts. We recommend visiting The MLA Style Center for more information.
I am trying to express a first-person thought in a third-person narrative as follows:
A sharp pain ran through his leg, and he remembered seeing it broken earlier in the day. Or was it yesterday or last night?
I think I would italicize the last sentence. Right?
If these are the exact words as thought by the character, italics would be appropriate.
Just as a note, we will soon revisit the subject of internal dialogue in an upcoming weekly e-newsletter.
If I am writing a character’s thoughts in italics and it is a question, should I use a question mark?
If it is a direct question, use a question mark.
If I write something like “What should I do?” does that start a new sentence, and I should capitalize the letter, or do I continue the sentence?
It is not clear to us what you are asking, so we will venture a guess. If the sentence is “What should I do? he thought,” the word he would not be capitalized. If a new sentence follows, then it requires a capital letter.
In my story, the spoken words are in quotation marks, and the thoughts are in italics. So, how do I type words that a character is writing?
Example:
The teacher read everything on the paper that showed only the words, Once upon a time, and then she handed the paper back to the student.
Is “Once upon a time” in quotation marks (although it’s not spoken words), is it in italics (although it’s not someone’s thought), do I capitalize all letters to look like… ONCE UPON A TIME, or is the above example correct on a capital “O” and leaving the rest without quotation marks or italics? Also, do I keep “Once upon a time” in the same paragraph, or do I double space to put “Once upon a time” on it’s own line before I double space again after that? And if I double space before and after “Once upon a time,” do I italicize it and indent it? If I use double spacing, do I continue the next paragraph with… and then she handed the paper back to the student… with a lowercase “a” on the word “and”?
We recommend writing your sentence as follows:
The teacher read everything on the paper that showed only the words “Once upon a time,” and then she handed the paper back to the student.
I have my protagonist in 1st person, but she also has thoughts, that are from people she knows in her life. Example, her mother’s voice in her head, which actually are real to her. Would I use it like this?
He’s not worthy of your love, my mother’s voice echoed through my consciousness. You deserve better.
“He’s not worthy of your love,” my mother’s voice echoed through my consciousness. “You deserve better.”
Would I also use italics for when she is speaking to her?
This is a major theme of my book, so I want to have a system that is consistent.
Also the voices in her head are also sometimes real to her, as in the voice becomes visible only to her. Would there be a need for the quotation marks and/or italics also?
“Isi, come on, you’ve got this.” Gently my mother caressed my face, then helped me to my feet.
OR
Isi, come on, you’ve got this. Gently my mother caressed my face, then helped me to my feet.
As the post says, you may use either quotation marks or italics for a character’s thoughts. This would include the “voices” in the character’s head. Therefore, either of your options is correct.
Can one express thoughts in this manner?
He smiled, and looked around, checking out the hundreds of bottles that surrounded us, “So, wine then? What do you want to drink?”
(IN ITALICS) ‘A double shot of Macallan.’ I thought to myself.
We recommend the following:
He smiled and looked around, checking out the hundreds of bottles that surrounded us. “So, wine then? What do you want to drink?”
A double shot of Macallan, I thought. (The period after us could also be a colon, depending on your intent.)
It says “I lied,” Charles thought. Why did you use the name of the person who is “Charles” instead of “I lied,” I thought) since the sentence stated “I”?
And you also said that “I” is used for the first person.
I’m not good at grammar. I’m so confused.
Please enlighten me.
In this case, Charles’s thoughts are being told by a third person, a narrator, and not by Charles himself.
Where do you put a question mark in a character’s questioning thought? For example:
“I’m 30 years old,” John said.
Why is he lying? Sue wondered. He looks more like 20. Or…
Why is he lying, Sue wondered? Or something else?
Thanks!
“Why is he lying?” Sue wondered. “He looks more like 20.” OR
Why is he lying? Sue wondered. He looks more like 20.
Thank you. I take it you advocate putting a character’s non-verbalized thoughts into either quotes or italics? There seems to be a difference of opinion on those two ways vs simply…
Why is he lying? Sue wondered. He looks more like 20. or even…
Why is he lying? He looks more like 20. (Sue being referred to earlier in the text.)
Please see our reply of February 13, 2019, to Tom.
What do you do when you have two thoughts from a single character in a first person novel? Would you italicize both thoughts or would you have to use quotation marks? For example:
“You’re gonna fail your spanish test if you don’t study.” My conscious speaks.
“I have time, I can study later.” I think to myself.
Or would you have it italicize and skip a line with just the text:
You’re going to fail that test if you don’t study.
But my friends are hanging out at the cafe and I don’t want to miss it.
The situation you present with a single person listening to his or her conscience (or conscious), then responding to it does appear to call for a different approach from what we present in the article. Here’s one way of doing it (we’re going to use italics, but quotation marks could be used instead):
You’re gonna fail your Spanish test if you don’t study, my conscience (or conscious) speaks.
I have time, I answer myself. I can study later.
Then, once the voices and pattern are established, the attributions may be dropped. Your second example dialog could be handled the same way.
Another possible approach could be to use italics for one internal voice and quotation marks for the other:
You’re gonna fail your Spanish test if you don’t study, my conscience (or conscious) speaks.
“I have time,” I answer myself. “I can study later.”
However, you should take care not to confuse your readers when your story contains spoken dialog, which will be enclosed in quotation marks as well.
I can’t seem to find anything on this so I’m writing it here as it is at least relevant. What if I’m writing in present tense? How should the inner monologue be? Is it possible to say “It’s strange, he thought” in a paragraph that is in present tense? Or should I verse it as “It’s strange, he thinks/wonders/other words”? Or is there a different way to go about it?
It is fine to write “he thought” when writing in present tense.
When writing a sound, like Boom! (it would be in italics), do you have to make a new paragraph?
Or do you make a new paragraph after the sound? Or no new paragraph at all?
Thank you.
We are not aware of any strict rules or guidelines on representing sounds. We would recommend that you exercise author’s best judgment. We would place it on its own line if the sound significantly interrupts the flow of narrative or dialogue.
I’m using italics for thoughts throughout my novel.
If I include a short note, how should I show it?
Example: She found a note on the bouquet. “This is from your secret lover.” Or should it be italicized or with a preceding semicolon?
We recommend using a colon and quotation marks to avoid confusion with italicized thoughts.
She found a note on the bouquet: “This is from your secret lover.”
Please see our Rules for Colons for more information.
I am working on a book that has already used italics and italics bold for mental communication between two characters.
Assuming Deep POV Direct Internal Dialog how can I demonstrate it without, once again, using italics? It would be immensely confusing to the reader to introduce italics indicating an ephemeral character.
I’m trying to avoid multiple fonts.
Thanks for any thoughts on this issue which has become the bane of my existence.
If you use italics to indicate mental communication between characters, you could then use quotation marks to indicate internal dialogue. In order to not confuse your readers if your story contains spoken dialog, you could include attribution: “She has to be planning to escape,” I thought.
If dialogue is in the middle of your paragraph and you want to continue the narration once the dialogue is over, do you indent the narration of the next line after the dialogue?
We would need to see an example in order to respond properly. We do have more information that may be helpful to you in Diving Back into Dialogue: Part I and Dialogue Writing Tips.
I just use single quotes for thoughts.
‘This is intense,’ thought Johnny.
In American English, single quotation marks are used for quotations within quotations; therefore, we recommend using double quotation marks or italics for thoughts. See our post Quotations Within Quotations and our Rules for Quotation Marks for more information.
I wrote:
Trembling in every limb, he begged again and again for her intervening grace: “Tina – Help! Help!”
Is this okay?
Since the topic of this post is internal dialogue, we assume your character is not speaking out loud. Therefore, we recommend writing as follows:
Trembling in every limb, he begged again and again for her intervening grace: “Tina! Help! Help!” OR
Trembling in every limb, he begged again and again for her intervening grace: Tina! Help! Help!
I see you have used a colon before the italicized thought. Is a colon always used before expressing non-verbal dialogue?
Sacha’s use of a colon is a contemporary style choice. It is useful and clear in introducing the unspoken thought, but other forms could also be used, such as breaking the statements into separate paragraphs:
Trembling in every limb, he begged again and again for her intervening grace.
Tina! Help! Help!
If not writing a novel or creative story, but more of a self-help style of writing, how does one determine whether to use quotes or italics? Also, in the following examples, does one use capital letters within the quotes? Commas?
Example 1a: I observe if I am able to hear a, “No,” from others and still honor them.
Example 1b: I observe if I am able to hear a “no” from others and still honor them.
Example 1c: I observe if I am able to hear a no from others and still honor them.
(The ‘no’ in the 1c example is italicized but I couldn’t get the text to reflect that.)
Example 2: If I am not a 100% “Yes,” then I am a “No.”
As the post says, when writing the exact thoughts of a person, you may use either quotation marks or italics. It is a matter of style choice. In your example, quotation marks help to convey the idea of speech. Since it is not an actual quotation, no additional punctuation is required. Therefore, we recommend 1b.
Is it okay to use the word “thinks” instead of “thought” after an internal dialogue when the whole context is present tense-happening in the moment? Or is either form (thinks or thought) appropriate if the context is present tense?
So “I have to do it now.” thinks Peanut.
Or
“I have to do it now.” thought Peanut.
Thank you!
Writintg thinks instead of thought is acceptable. It is a matter of style choice.We recommend punctuating as follows:
“I have to do it now,” thinks Peanut.
After a thought, do you always have to put a “she/he/they/etc. thought/wondered/etc.”Or can you just leave it without that?
For example:
a) Sarah paused. “What was that noise?” she thought, slightly more afraid than she already was.
or can it be like
b) Sarah paused. “What was that noise?” She was slightly more afraid than she already was.
Please see our replies to Maggie of January 20, 2018, to Lucille of February 14, 2016, and to Shannon Ham of April 15, 2015.
Can I use more than one way to show a character’s thoughts within a novel? I’m trying to not use italics if possible, saving it for comments that I want noticed. However there are some cases where italics are needed in order to get the idea across, such as Dang, I should have used the blanket after all. In other parts of the book where I show characters thoughts I either use he thought, or I use the indirect method of he or she. My novel is in third person.
For internal dialogue, a good is approach is typically to assign a treatment–i.e., either quotation marks or italics–and remain consistent with it. As you point out, if you choose quotation marks for internal dialogue, you can use italics for other content you wish to emphasize. If you apply italics tastefully and sparingly in your novel, you might even use them for both internal dialogue and phrases or comments of emphasis. The goal is to make them a tool for guiding the reader without becoming over-reliant on them.
Is it acceptable to precede a dialogue, that’s already been added with a tag at the end part, with an action beat?
For example:
Claire took a sip of her coffee. “It’s still sickeningly sweet,” she muttered, nostalgia washing over her.
In allowing writers to establish voice and style, fiction often provides more liberty to shape narrative form than nonfiction does. Your example is fine. We can also see how the lines might be separated for even greater pause:
Claire took a sip of her coffee.
“It’s still sickeningly sweet,” she muttered, nostalgia washing over her.
How do you punctuate one-way dialogue or when a character is talking to themselves, particularly when this character is talking to themselves for a long time?
If the character is speaking aloud, use quotation marks. For internal dialogue use either quotation marks or italics.
What if a person is quoting from memory, not present speaker? For example:
This was my home, I liked living here, but people always told me I was crazy or mad for living in a volcano. The elders had always frowned in disapproval, ‘Why risk it? Are you doing it for glory or fame? Just find a mountain if you have to.’
Would the elder’s words, quoted from memory be written in Italics, single quotes, or double quotes?
If this is internal dialogue, you could use quotation marks as follows:
“This was my home, I liked living here, but people always told me I was crazy or mad for living in a volcano. The elders had always frowned in disapproval: ‘Why risk it? Are you doing it for glory or fame? Just find a mountain if you have to.’ ”
If using italics, the following is correct:
This was my home, I liked living here, but people always told me I was crazy or mad for living in a volcano. The elders had always frowned in disapproval: “Why risk it? Are you doing it for glory or fame? Just find a mountain if you have to.”
See our post Quotations Within Quotations for more information.
If two charecters are talking and then one has inner thought, do you start a new paragraph or continue? For example:
“Don’t cross me and you have nothing to fear.” Was that threat? Guardian thought as he listened to the words.
or
“Don’t cross me and you have nothing to fear.”
Was that a threat? Guardian thought as he listened to the words.
Since you have one character speaking aloud followed by a different character using internal dialogue, you should start the internal dialogue on a separate line. In addition, to distinguish the internal dialogue from the regular quotation, you could italicize as follows:
“Don’t cross me and you have nothing to fear.”
Was that a threat? Guardian thought as he listened to the words.
When writing, should you follow proper punctuation rules? I’ve read Stephen King’s book Misery, and often when Paul is thinking, the thoughts lack punctuation in every way. Is that grammatically correct?
Punctuation rules should be followed in formal writing; however, writers of fiction often use their own style and do not always follow the rules for formal prose.
I am writing a short story where the mc (first point of view) is thinking about something, and then suddenly she gets another thought. What I wrote was:
The putrid smell of rotting meat and-, and the smell of almonds. Almonds?
Is this grammatically correct? If not can you please explain to me what should I do, and the correct way to write it?
The sentence should be punctuated with an em dash for an abrupt change of thought, and a comma is unnecessary. See our Rules for Dashes. Also, as the post states, you need to use either quotation marks or italics for internal dialogue.
“The putrid smell of rotting meat and—and the smell of almonds. Almonds?” or
The putrid smell of rotting meat and—and the smell of almonds. Almonds?
So what if I’m writing in third person, and the question is in third as well. For example,
What if he’d have to go again?
Why did that happen?
Should this question be italicized or not?
If these are the exact words as thought by the person, italics or quotation marks should be used. If the person is speaking aloud, use quotation marks.
It’s so interesting to see the time span of this thread! I haven’t read all posts, so i apologize if I missed it, but I have a question that has been boggling my mind all day. What would you do with this sentence? The character is thinking about which word to choose to write on an out-of-office notice: He hesitated between Bereavement and Stocktaking for a long time.
Would bereavement and stocktaking be in italics or quotes?
Italics are the traditional choice for a word not used functionally but referred to as the word itself. Unless there is an established purpose for treating “bereavement” and “stocktaking” as proper nouns, we see no reason to capitalize them.