Grammatical question.

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He was getting better, but not as fast as his doctor wished.Then Laura said, 'Do you mean that?In this context, why does the word 'do' begin with a capital letter, if it's not  a beginning of a sentence etc? Is it because it's a beginning of speech?Many thanks in advance.

Yoong Liat · Accepted Answer

EllycatHe was getting better, but not as fast as his doctor wished.

Then Laura said, 'Do you mean that?
In this context, why does the word 'do' begin with a capital letter, if it's not a beginning of a sentence etc? Is it because it's a beginning of speech?

Then Laura said, 'Do you mean that?
Then Laura said, 'Do you mean that?'

Is it because it's a beginning of speech?
Yes, you're right.

Philip · Answer

Punctuation gurus have varying opinions on whether to capitalize or not in this case. For me, the more important thing is to be consistent in your writing.

You also need to close your quote.

CalifJim · Answer

Ellycatwhy does the word 'do' begin with a capital letter, if it's not a beginning of a sentence etc?

It is the beginning of a sentence. It's considered the beginning of the sentence in quotes, so it's capitalized.

CJ

Soka · Answer

Ellycat asked,"Why does the word 'do' begin with a capital  letter, if it's not  a beginning of a sentence etc?".[Y]

Ellycat · Answer

"You also need to close your quote".

I now realise my mistake regarding the closing of the quotation marks. Thank you.

Ellycat · Answer

Philip, do I close my quote after or before the question mark? Sorry I'm late in replying.

Many thanks, Stephen.

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