Capitalization question

Gynn · Apr 26, 2008

Hey all! Thanks for checking in.

Can you please tell me which is correct between these lines (if any are)?

She really likes me! he thought.
She really likes me! He thought.
She really likes me, he thought.

It's come up fairly often during my writing, and I figure I'd better get it right before I have to go back and make too many changes.

Starwise · Apr 26, 2008

Both 1 and 3 are correct

. It depends on the imagery. The second is not correct, though.

dpaterso · Apr 27, 2008

She really likes me! he thought.
She really likes me! He thought.
She really likes me, he thought.

Agreed, 1 or 3 are OK. I'm leaning towards 1.

But don't forget option 4:

She really likes me!

We know he's thinking this.

-Derek

Danalynn · Apr 27, 2008

1 & 3.

Microsoft Word doesn't agree, though. Word thinks that since there is an ending punctuation, the next word should be capitalized.

MS Word was NOT made specifically with writing fiction in mind, though, so when it comes to that suggestion from the spell / grammar checker, you just have to be confident that YOU are right and Word is wrong. Click ignore and go on about your business.

StephanieFox · Apr 27, 2008

Yeah, but Microsoft Word grammar programs are stupid. It hates my complicated prose.

Matera the Mad · Apr 28, 2008

So tell Word to go pee up a rope.

kct webber · Apr 29, 2008

Yes. Pee up a rope. Why not.

This goes for internal dialogue and dialogue.

For example: "Blah, blah, blah!" he said. Ignore the punctuation in the quotes; the sentance begins with "Blah" and ends with "said," regardless of the punctuation in the middle.

Blah, blah, blah! he thought. Same thing.

Capitalization question

Gynn

Wandering worlds

Starwise

Debut Urban Fantasy Author

dpaterso

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

Danalynn

NEVER give up!!!!

StephanieFox

Maybull the Bulldog

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

kct webber

Squirrel, Sekrit type, 1 ea.