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DaveinJapan Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Quotes Usage
I’m wondering what’s the best way to express dialogue in stories where people are communicating by radio. Is it common to simply use italics when someone says something over a radio channel? Or is single quote preferable? Or both?
Italics seems to work well when there’s nothing but plain dialogue. For example:
(voice coming from radio channel) _Red-five checking in, over._
(live person replies) "I hear you, Red-five."
But that doesn't seem to work so well when there's other material within the sentence, such as:
_Red-five checking in,_ the soldier reported, his voice crackling from static interference,_I'm standing by for instructions._
In that case would single quotes work better?
'Red-five checking in,' he said.
Or single quotes with italics?
'_Red-five checking in,_' he said.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Italics seems to work well when there’s nothing but plain dialogue. For example:
(voice coming from radio channel) _Red-five checking in, over._
(live person replies) "I hear you, Red-five."
But that doesn't seem to work so well when there's other material within the sentence, such as:
_Red-five checking in,_ the soldier reported, his voice crackling from static interference,_I'm standing by for instructions._
In that case would single quotes work better?
'Red-five checking in,' he said.
Or single quotes with italics?
'_Red-five checking in,_' he said.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
Top answer
I do not consider mine to be a definitive answer, but I will offer these suggestions. 1) If using quote marks, make them double. In a lengthy conversation, it is often good style simply to eliminate things like "he said" or "she answered".
- I do not consider mine to be a definitive answer, but I will offer these suggestions.
- 1) If using quote marks, make them double.
- In a lengthy conversation, it is often good style simply to eliminate things like "he said" or "she answered".
- 2) Many writers are now using just italics to indicate conversation, especially if it's thought rather than spoken.
- 3) Whichever you choose, be consistent.
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1 Answers
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I do not consider mine to be a definitive answer, but I will offer these suggestions. 1) If using quote marks, make them double. In a lengthy conversation, it is often good style simply to eliminate things like "he said" or "she answered". 2) Many writers are now using just italics to indicate conversation, especially if it's thought rather than spoken. 3) Whichever you choose, be consistent.
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