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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/19638
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I'm struggling with when to omit the comma before dialogue (as well as when to use capitals) in fiction writing. My understanding is that you would omit the comma before/after something like "he says" when quoting single words or very short sentences, rather than long clauses.

For example, is it OK to omit the commas in all of the following examples:

1. I cover the receiver and whisper “sorry” to my friend. Should sorry have a small letter or capital?

2. He leans forward and whispers, “I’m ready, baby” into my ear. I think a comma is necessary here because the dialogue consists of a subject-verb clause. Is that right?

3. I resist the urge to shout "screw you, asshole" right to his face. Is it better to have a comma here? Should screw have a capital letter? If so, why?

4. I turn and mouth "bye" to him. Do I need a comma here or a capital?

5. I try to shout "stop" again but the words won't come out. Is this okay or do I need a comma and capitals?

6. I say "stop" but she keeps going.

7. I feel extremely tempted to say “Just drive” and hope for the best.

I feel like there should be a capital here on Just but am not sure why or if that's even correct. I don't need a comma here, right?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Original score: 2