How to punctuate dialogue in British English: A quick guide for writers

In my work as a professional proofreader and editor, I often come across issues with punctuation within dialogue. When it comes to writing dialogue, punctuation can trip up even the most seasoned authors. Whether you're working on a novel, short story, or screenplay, using the correct dialogue punctuation is essential for clarity, professionalism, and readability.

This guide explains how to punctuate dialogue in British English, with examples and tips to keep your writing polished and publication-ready.

Dialogue punctuation is one of the most common areas where manuscripts are let down—particularly for fiction writers and authors preparing work for submission.

Why dialogue punctuation matters

Accurate punctuation in dialogue does more than meet grammatical expectations—it helps readers follow conversations smoothly, distinguish between speech and narration, and stay immersed in your story. Poorly punctuated dialogue can confuse readers or make your writing appear unpolished.

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Use quotation marks for speech

In British English, single quotation marks (‘ ’) are traditionally used for direct speech, while double quotation marks (“ ”) are used for quotes within speech.

✅ Correct:

She said, ‘I saw him leave just before midnight.’

‘Did he really say, “I’m never coming back”?’ she asked.

Note: Some modern British publishers do use double quotation marks throughout, especially for international consistency—but unless you're following a specific style guide, single quotes remain the standard.

2. Capitalise the first word of the spoken sentence

If the dialogue is a complete sentence, always capitalise the first word, even if the speech comes after a dialogue tag:

✅ Correct:

He said, ‘I don’t believe you.’

She whispered, ‘Turn the light off before they see us.’

Where a quotation or piece of dialogue is broken up, you should only capitalise the first word of any complete sentence within the quote, not each quote. For example:

"I think," said Jeremy as he looked at the children, "you've splashed in quite enough puddles for one day." He gasped. "Dear me! Your clothes are filthy; your mothers will kill me!"

3. Use a comma before the quotation

When the dialogue follows a tag like he said, she asked, or they shouted, you’ll typically need a comma before the opening quotation mark.

✅ Correct:

He replied, ‘It’s not my fault.’

The officer barked, ‘Stand back!’

But if the speech is introduced with a colon or stands alone without a tag, the comma isn't necessary.

✅ Also correct:

She had only one thing to say: ‘Get out.’

4. Punctuation stays inside the quotation marks

In British English, only punctuation that belongs to the speech itself goes inside the quotation marks. Otherwise, it stays outside.

✅ Correct:

‘Are you coming with us?’ he asked.

‘No,’ she replied, ‘I’m staying here.’

Did he really say, ‘This is your last chance’?

Notice how the question mark stays inside the quote when it's part of the character’s speech, but outside when the question is part of the surrounding sentence.

5. Dialogue tags after the quote: Use commas

When the dialogue ends but the sentence continues with a tag, use a comma before the closing quotation mark—unless the dialogue ends in a question mark or exclamation mark.

Note that your dialogue tag (he asked, she said, etc.) is part of the quoted sentence, so even if that sentence ends with a question mark or exclamation mark, your dialogue tag is always included in the sentence and should not be capitalised.

✅ Correct:

‘I can’t do this anymore,’ he said.

‘Why are you laughing?’ she asked.

‘Run!’ he shouted.

🚫 Incorrect:

‘I don't love you anymore!’ She said.

‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ He asked.

6. New speaker, new paragraph

Start a new paragraph every time a different character speaks. This keeps your dialogue clear and easy to follow.

✅ Example:

‘Where are you going?’

‘Out.’

‘Again?’

‘Yes. I need to think.’

In lengthy conversations, dialogue tags would help the reader to identify the speaker.

Bonus tip: Vary your dialogue tags

In fiction, it's important to vary your dialogue tags. Repeating the same tag over and over—especially said—can begin to jar the reader or feel lazy. One particularly famous children’s author has a go-to tag he uses on nearly every page (he/she exclaimed), and it has my daughter groaning every time she reads it!

Varying your dialogue tags not only helps avoid repetition, but it can also offer valuable insight into a character’s emotions or behaviour, subtly changing the tone of a scene.

For example:

‘I’m not going,’ she muttered.

‘I’m not going,’ she snapped.

‘I’m not going,’ she whispered, eyes wide.

Each tag paints a slightly different emotional picture.

That said, use variety with care—overly elaborate or unusual tags (exclaimed, interjected, pontificated) can draw attention to themselves. The key is balance: let the dialogue do most of the heavy lifting, but don't be afraid to let the occasional well-chosen tag enhance the mood.

Common mistakes to avoid

🚫 Wrong: He said “it’s not my problem”.

✅ Right: He said, ‘It’s not my problem.’

🚫 Wrong: ‘I’m fine.’ She said.

✅ Right: ‘I’m fine,’ she said.

🚫 Wrong: 'Did she really say “I hate you?”'

✅ Right: 'Did she really say, "I hate you"?'

Final thoughts

Dialogue errors are one of the first things agents, editors and readers notice. Professional proofreading can help ensure your dialogue flows naturally and follows British English conventions throughout your manuscript.

Mastering how to punctuate dialogue in British English doesn’t have to be daunting. With practice and a few go-to rules, you can write cleaner, more professional dialogue that flows naturally and enhances your narrative voice.

Need help perfecting your writing?

If you’re ready to publish or submit your work to agents and want the reassurance of an expert eye, KT Proofreading can help. I offer professional proofreading and editing services specialising in British English, supporting authors in refining their writing. If you're fine-tuning your manuscript before submission or publication, I can spot the small details that make a big difference.

About the author

Kat Taylor is a professional proofreader and editor based in the UK, specialising in British English. She works closely with fiction and non-fiction authors preparing manuscripts for submission. Learn more about Kat or explore her proofreading and editing services.

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