Grammar Q: do you capitalize this?

for example, Mr. Smith said, '' why don't you stop that?"

do you capitalize ''why?''

"Why don't you stop that?"

which is right??

Comments

  • You'd capitalize it. The only time you don't want to capitalize a quotation is when it's part of a larger paraphrase, such as in this scenario:

    Yesterday, Ms. Jones asked the reporters to "get serious about their assignments" and report back to her with the answers.

    However, in this situation, it would be capitalized. The quote is either a complete sentence or an interjection which could stand on its own.

    At yesterday's meeting, Ms Jones shocked the reporters when she said, "Get serious, folks! I need answers now!" The meeting ended immediately thereafter.

  • The Second is right. It is the beginning of a sentence so you need to capitalize it. "Why don't you stop that?" Is correct grammar.

  • The beginning of a thought should be capitalized. Thus, it should be "Why don't you stop that?"

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