When you are quoting written material, follow the capitalization of the original or enclose the changed letter in brackets to indicate that you have altered the source. Often, you can avoid altering the capitalization by quoting only part of a sentence or passage. (See also quotations.)
"Writing is a way of finding out how I feel about anything and everything," explains Pat Mora.
Pat Mora explains that "(writing is a way of finding out how I feel about anything and everything."
Pat Mora describes writing as "a way of finding out how I feel about anything and everything."
Traditionally, the first word of each line of poetry is capitalized, but some poets do not follow this convention. When you quote poetry, follow the capitalization of the original.
In her room at the prow of the house
Where the light breaks, and the windows are tossed with linden,
My daughter is writing a story. — Richard Wilbur, "The Writer"
in Just- spring when the world is mudluscious the little lame balloonman whistles far and wee
—E. E. CUMMINGS, "injust-"
