comma before quoted speech
The comma that introduces a quoted sentence after said and similar verbs.
After said, asked, wrote, and similar verbs, put a comma before a quoted sentence: Dana said, “Meet me at noon.” After read, when the next words are the inscription itself, use no comma: The plaque read “Closed for repairs.” Use no comma when the quotation is only a word or a fragment worked into the sentence: He called the draft “thin.”
Examples
UseHe asked, “Who locked it?” (speech verb; full quoted sentence)
UseThe plaque read “Closed for repairs.” (inscription after read; no comma)
UseHe called the draft “thin.” (quoted fragment worked in)
AvoidThe plaque read, “Closed for repairs.” (comma after read before an inscription)
AvoidHe asked “Who locked it?” (speech verb; missing comma before a quoted sentence)