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" I lost my homework," said Abigail. vs I lost my homework, said Abigail.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase uses quotation marks to indicate the direct speech, while the second phrase places the attribution after the quoted text. The choice between the two depends on the style guide being followed or personal preference.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 482 views

" I lost my homework," said Abigail.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate direct speech with the attribution following the quoted text.

This format is used when directly quoting someone and attributing the quote to a specific person. The quotation marks indicate the beginning and end of the direct speech, and the attribution is placed after the quoted text.

Examples:

  • "I'll be there in five minutes," said Tom.
  • "Please pass me the salt," she requested.
  • "I can't believe it," he exclaimed.
  • He said to me: "I lost my textbook yesterday morning".
  • If this is about my homework, I'm real sorry.
  • Did my homework, watched TV.
  • Let me do my homework, and stop worrying.
  • Erm, doing my homework, Miss.
  • I did my homework, ate my vegetables...
  • I did my homework, and I found the best: Jeffrey.
  • I do my homework, Mrs. Raymond.
  • I've been doing my homework, reading books.
  • Having done my homework, I watched television.
  • When I lost my kids nothing mattered.
  • I lost my husband earlier this year.
  • I lost my nephew to terrorism.
  • I lost my wedding ring once.
  • I really done my homework, you know.
  • He finished my homework, gave me the soda from his lunch.
  • And if you really think about it, my life's passion is making films, so this is my homework, too.
  • He makes me stay up all night to do my homework, and if I get it wrong, then he whips out his belt.
  • No, I really should be doing my homework, but good meeting you.
  • That you ate my homework, dummy!

Alternatives:

  • Abigail said, "I lost my homework."
  • Said Abigail, "I lost my homework."
  • "I lost my homework," Abigail said.

I lost my homework, said Abigail.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate direct speech with the attribution preceding the quoted text.

This format is used when directly quoting someone and attributing the quote to a specific person. The attribution is placed before the quoted text without the use of quotation marks.

Examples:

  • She said, "I'll see you tomorrow."
  • He whispered, "Don't tell anyone."
  • They shouted, "Help us!"
  • If this is about my homework, I'm real sorry.
  • Did my homework, watched TV.
  • Let me do my homework, and stop worrying.
  • Erm, doing my homework, Miss.
  • I did my homework, ate my vegetables...
  • I did my homework, and I found the best: Jeffrey.
  • I do my homework, Mrs. Raymond.
  • I've been doing my homework, reading books.
  • Having done my homework, I watched television.
  • When I lost my kids nothing mattered.
  • I lost my husband earlier this year.
  • I lost my nephew to terrorism.
  • I lost my wedding ring once.
  • I really done my homework, you know.
  • He finished my homework, gave me the soda from his lunch.
  • And if you really think about it, my life's passion is making films, so this is my homework, too.
  • He makes me stay up all night to do my homework, and if I get it wrong, then he whips out his belt.
  • No, I really should be doing my homework, but good meeting you.
  • That you ate my homework, dummy!
  • You never made me do my homework, which is why I couldn't get any job that required any education.

Alternatives:

  • Abigail said, "I lost my homework."
  • Said Abigail, "I lost my homework."
  • "I lost my homework," Abigail said.

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