English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

 

English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

Beginnings of quotations

Another confusing topic is capitalization in quotes. The most important thing to know is whether the quote is a complete sentence or a sentence fragment. If the quote is a complete sentence, it starts with a capital letter, even if it begins in the middle of the sentence.

Marie Antoinette never actually said, “Let them eat cake.”

If the quote is a sentence fragment, do not capitalize it. This is most common when you’re quoting only a specific word or phrase instead of a long passage.

The substitute teacher called our class “goonish and unruly.”

After a colon

Capitalization of colons depends on what the colon is used for. If a colon is used to introduce a list, do not use capitalization.

Here’s what we need at the grocery store: blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream.

If the colon is used to introduce an independent clause, capitalization is optional. However, different style guides have different preferences, so double-check with whatever format you’re using.

There are plenty of reasons to plant a garden: First and foremost, it’s a lot of fun.

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in