No Quotation Marks Around Unspoken Thoughts (But Capitalize First Word)
The Quotation Mark
Rulebase Summary
Generally, do not use quotation marks for unspoken thoughts or wishes. However, do capitalize the first word of the complete expression to mark it as a self-contained thought.
Examples
A. I thought, 'If only I had sold those stocks last year.'
A. I thought, If only I had sold those stocks last year.
Unspoken thought — no quotes, but capitalize the first word.
A. I wondered, can I be happy with this company?
A. I wondered, Can I be happy with this company?
Capitalize the first word of the unspoken thought.
Transcript Notes
Quotation marks are reserved for what was actually said aloud. Internal thoughts that the witness reports thinking are not directly quoted material in the same sense, but they still represent a complete thought that should be capitalized for clarity.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's