45e. First word of a quoted sentence

45eCapitalize the first word of a quoted sentence but not a quoted word or phrase.

Loveless writes, “If failing schools are ever to be turned around, much more must be learned about how schools age as institutions” (25).

Russell Baker has written that in this country, sports are “the opiate of the masses” (46).

If a quoted sentence is interrupted by explanatory words, do not capitalize the first word after the interruption. (See also 37e.)

“If you want to go out,” he said, “tell me now.”

When quoting poetry, copy the poet’s capitalization exactly. Many poets capitalize the first word of every line of poetry; a few contemporary poets dismiss capitalization altogether.

it was the week   that

i felt the city’s narrow breezes rush about

me

—Don L. Lee