Table of Contents
When quoting something does it have to be capitalized?
Capitalize the First Word in a Sentence that Is a Direct Quote. When quoting, the first word of a complete sentence should be capitalized, regardless of its placement within the main sentence. Matthew said, “In that case, I’m going out for a walk!”
Is the first word of a quoted sentence fragment capitalized?
Capitalize the first letter of a direct quote when the quoted material is a complete sentence. Do not use a capital letter when the quoted material is a fragment or only a piece of the original material’s complete sentence.
What if a quote starts with a capital letter?
When considering capitalization in quotes, the first rule to remember is – when quoting a complete sentence, you should capitalize the first word, no matter where the quote is placed within the larger sentence. For example: John said, “If these trends continue, we’ll be out of business in no time!”
Do not capitalize quoted material that continues a sentence?
Do not capitalize quoted material that continues a sentence. Example: Lamarr said that the case was “far from over” and that “we will win.” Rule 3a. Use commas to introduce or interrupt direct quotations of dialogue or text.
Can you change capitalization in a quote?
The first letter of the first word in a quotation may be changed to an uppercase or a lowercase letter to fit the context of the sentence in which the quotation appears. Any other changes (e.g., italicizing words for emphasis or omitting words) must be explicitly indicated.
How do you change capitalization in a quote?
The MLA Style Center
- After a Verb of Saying. Capitalize the first letter if the quotation appears after a verb of saying, regardless of the case used in the source–but flag any alterations you make.
- After a Colon.
- Integrated into Your Syntax.
Do you use capital letters after speech marks?
When using quotation marks, certain rules apply regarding capitalization and punctuation. Use a capital letter with the first word of a complete sentence of a direct quotation.
When you have a question outside quoted material and inside quoted material?
Rule – When you have a question outside quoted material AND inside quoted material, use only one question mark and place it inside the quotation mark. Example: Did she say, “May I go?”
When do you not use a capital letter?
Do not use a capital letter when the quoted material is a fragment or only a piece of the original material’s complete sentence. Although Mr. Johnson has seen odd happenings on the farm, he stated that the spaceship “certainly takes the cake” when it comes to unexplainable activity.
When do you not capitalize a quote in a sentence?
Quotations within a sentence aren’t always capitalized, however. When the quote is a piece of a bigger quote or a sentence fragment, no capitalization is necessary. Consider the sentences below, and note the lack of capitalization in quotes within these sentences: Your writing, at its best.
Where do you put quotation marks in a paragraph?
For direct quotations of more than one paragraph, place open quotation marks at the start of each new paragraph. Place close quotation marks at the end of only the last paragraph.
Do you put a semicolon outside the quotation mark?
Colons and semicolons should be outside the quotation marks. These rules have no exceptions. Whether a question mark or an exclamation point should appear inside or outside the quotation marks depends on the meaning. If the quotation is a question or exclamation, put the question mark or exclamation point inside the quotation marks.