Asked by Shreya

Punctuate the following sentence:
How is the weather today Sam said John.
I think the punctuated sentence would be:
"How is the weather today Sam?" said John.
I am not sure if there is a comma before Sam and said. Am I correct? Please help!
Answered by Reed
No, a comma is not needed before "said John." A comma is needed elsewhere, though. Your use of quotation marks and the question mark are correct.
Answered by Shreya
Then is it "How is the weather today, Sam?" said John.

Answered by Reed
Yep! That's it! :)
Answered by Shreya
Is there any particular rule for why there is a comma after today?
Answered by Reed
Yes. Sam is like a parenthetical, telling who the question is addressed to. "Will you help me, Ruth, with this project?" Or, "How is the weather today, Sam?"
Answered by Shreya
But why isn't a comma required before "said John?"
Answered by Reed
I don't know if you will see this so many hours later (I logged off late last night). A comma is not necessary there because the quotation is already punctuated with a question mark (could be an exclamation mark, if appropriate).
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