Commas with Direct Speech

Use a comma after the introductory clause.

Example: She said, “I was in London last year.”

If the direct speech is at the beginning of the sentence, put the comma before the final quotation mark. (Don’t use a full stop here.)

Example: “I was in London last year,” she said.

Don’t use a comma after direct speech if the direct speech ends with a question mark or exclamation mark.

Example:

 “Were you in London last year?” he asked. (but: He asked, “Were you in London last year?”)

 “Great!” she replied. (but: She replied, “Great!”)