Period After Okay, All Right, Very Well, Fine at Beginning of Sentence
The Period
Rulebase Summary
Use a period after the words 'okay,' 'all right,' 'very well,' or 'fine' when they come at the beginning of a sentence. Each of these words is a shortened form of a complete thought (e.g., 'It is okay,' 'It is all right') and should be treated as a standalone sentence. If several appear strung together, use a period after each one. These are not connected to the sentence that follows — a comma would incorrectly imply a connection.
Examples
Q. All right, let me direct your attention to Exhibit 4.
Q. All right. Let me direct your attention to Exhibit 4.
"All right" is a standalone thought — period, not comma.
Q. Okay, were you present on the morning of June 12th?
Q. Okay. Were you present on the morning of June 12th?
"Okay" stands alone before a new sentence begins.
Transcript Notes
These words appear constantly at the beginnings of questions and answers in court reporting. They may also include 'good' and 'great.' They are fragments that stand as complete thoughts and take periods.
Style Guide References (5)
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP