Question

correcting capitalization errors in a quotation
which quotation is correctly capitalized?
the author explained that he \had begun to write a masterpiece.\
the author explained that he \had begun to write a masterpiece.\
the author explained that \he had begun to write a masterpiece.\

Explanation:

When integrating a partial quotation into a sentence (not a full standalone quote starting a new sentence), the first word of the quoted phrase should not be capitalized unless it is a proper noun. In the correct option, the quoted clause is a continuation of the main sentence, so "had" stays lowercase. The other options incorrectly capitalize the first word of the embedded quotation.

Answer:

The author explained that he "had begun to write a masterpiece."