Which sentence demonstrates correct use of direct quotation punctuation?

• A. He said, I am here.
• B. He said I am here.
• C. He said, "I am here."
• D. He said, "I am here".

Answer: (C)

Direct quotation punctuation requires that the spoken words be placed inside quotation marks and that the sentence introducing the speech use a comma after the reporting verb. The spoken words themselves carry their own ending punctuation inside the quotation marks, if that punctuation belongs to the spoken part.

So the correct sentence is He said, "I am here." The comma after said introduces the exact words that follow, the words are neatly set off with quotation marks, and the period ends inside the closing quotation mark, which is the standard American convention for direct quotation.

The other sentences miss one of these elements. One lacks quotation marks around the spoken words, so it doesn’t clearly indicate what was said. Another omits the comma after the reporting verb, breaking the typical rhythm of reported speech. The last option places the closing quotation mark without the terminating period inside, which goes against the usual punctuation rule for direct quotation in American usage.