Which sentence correctly uses commas to separate narration from the quotation? "Prior to entering the Great Hall", directed the
docent ",all cell phones must be turned off." "Prior to entering the Great Hall" directed the docent, "all cell phones must be turned off." "Prior to entering the Great Hall," directed the docent "all cell phones must be turned off." "Prior to entering the Great Hall," directed the docent, "all cell phones must be turned off."
"Prior to entering the Great Hall," directed the docent, "all cell phones must be turned off."
Explanation:
When introducing quotations, the comma is placed to separate the narration from the quote. In American English, the comma is located within inverted commas if the quotation precedes the introduction. However, if the quote follows the introduction, then the comma is left outside the quotation mark.
A is true. B is false because you can use more than one, depending on the structure of the sentence. C is false because of grammar rules, and D is false because you can indeed use both, depending on the structure of the sentence.
