The rules of English capitalization state that specific words, such as proper nouns and the first word of a sentence, must begin with a capital letter. While this may appear straightforward, there are words that are only capitalized in specific circumstances, and there are words that may seem like they should be capitalized but are not. How can one determine which words fall into each category?
In this guide, we will explain the rules of capitalization in writing, including a comprehensive list of words that require capitalization. Additionally, we will provide several examples to illustrate proper capitalization. However, before delving into specifics, let us briefly discuss capitalization in general.
English Capitalization Rules: When To Capitalize
Understanding which categories of words should be capitalized is the paramount aspect of comprehending English capitalization rules. Fundamentally, there exist three categories of words that require capitalization in English.
The pronoun “I” should always be capitalized when used as the first word in a sentence or line of a letter. Proper nouns, such as names like Albert Einstein, are always capitalized. However, there are some words, like directions (e.g., north and west), that are typically lowercase but are capitalized when they are part of a geographic name, such as the West Coast.
What Words Need To Be Capitalized?
The first and last names of individuals are capitalized, as well as their middle names, nicknames, and suffixes such as Martin Luther King Jr.
Names from history that contain descriptive words typically adhere to the rules of capitalization for titles: Important words are capitalized, while minor words such as the or of are not.
For example: Ivan the Terrible, Alexander the Great, Catherine the Great, Attila the Hun, Joan of Arc.
People’s Names
Names of individuals are capitalized to differentiate them as proper nouns. Proper nouns are specific titles assigned to specific individuals, locations, or objects. Capitalizing names serves to highlight their significance and acknowledgment, setting them apart from common nouns that represent general concepts rather than specific ones.
Capitalizing people’s names is a way to demonstrate respect and recognize their individual identity. This practice is common in various languages and cultures as a way to highlight the importance and distinctiveness of proper nouns. Furthermore, capitalization helps improve readability and comprehension by making it simpler for readers to distinguish names within sentences.
For example: Jonah Magnus, Alexander Hamilton, Zack Williams, Cecil Palmer, Alexandra Trusova
Titles
Many capitalization errors stem from the rules of capitalizing titles, which apply to various forms of work such as books, movies, songs, and podcasts. Only specific words in the title should be capitalized.
Which words should be capitalized in titles? To begin, the initial word in a title must always be capitalized. Additionally, nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs should all be capitalized in titles.
Small words such as articles and prepositions are usually written in lowercase, unless they are the first word in a title. Nevertheless, different style guides may have their own preferences, so it is advisable to verify if you have any uncertainties.
For example: Little Women, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, The Catcher in the Rye.
Places
Keep in mind that if you are not using the name of a place but the general word to describe it, you do not capitalize that word.
For Example: New York, Los Angeles, Türkiye, Mexico, New Orleans.
Countries, Nationalities, And Languages
In English, countries, nationalities, and languages are capitalized. Country names are considered places, and as a result, the names of the people from that country and the adjectives describing their culture are also capitalized, including languages.
For Example: Japan, Japanese, Italian, Turkish, French.
Institutions (Companies, Brands, Agencies, Etc.)
Proper nouns include the names of companies, brands, agencies, and other large groups such as hospitals. In these names, small words like prepositions may be lowercase. When referring to a specific department by its proper name, capitalize it. For a general department, use lowercase.
For example: Apple, Samsung, Asus, Logitech
Historical Eras
When referring to specific periods and events by their names, capitalize the periods and events. If a period of time is named after a proper noun, capitalize the proper noun. The word for the period may be capitalized or lowercase, depending on the specific example. Centuries are generally not capitalized because they are broad terms.
For example: Reinecessance, The Age of Exploration, Medieval Europe, The Industrial Revolution, The Cold War Era.
Days, Months, And Holidays
Days and months in English are capitalized as they are considered proper nouns. When these words are used in a general sense, they are not capitalized. However, if they are included in the name of a holiday, they are treated as proper nouns and capitalized.
For example: New Year’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day.
Initials And Acronyms
Initials and acronyms are formed by combining the first letters of several words to create a new word. Generally, these are written in capital letters. Nevertheless, certain acronyms are frequently used and evolve into separate words, which are written in lowercase. For instance, scuba initially stood for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, but it is now recognized as a standalone word and is spelled in lowercase.
For example, H.G. Wells, J.D. Salinger, J.K Rowling, T.S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Words That Are Sometimes Capitalized
In the English language, there are specific words that may require capitalization depending on the context or situation in which they are being used. It is important to understand when to capitalize certain words to ensure clear and effective communication.
For example: polish/Polish, march/March, rose/Rose, fall/Fall, spring/Spring
Family Titles
The subject of capitalizing family titles is a complex and perplexing matter. These titles, such as mom or uncle, have the potential to function as either proper nouns or common nouns. In essence, the rule dictates that when these titles are employed as proper nouns, they should be capitalized, but when they are used as common nouns, they should be written in lowercase. It is worth noting that when family titles are being utilized as common nouns, they are typically accompanied by an article (such as “the,” “a,” or “an”) or a possessive noun (such as “my,” “your,” “our,” and so on) preceding them. In such cases, it is imperative to maintain the family title in lowercase form.
For example: Aunt Sally, Uncle Jack, Cousin Rose, Nephew Sal, Grandmother Marie
Beginnings Of Quotations
Capitalization in quotes can be a perplexing subject to grasp. It is crucial to understand whether the quote being used is a complete sentence or merely a sentence fragment. If the quote is a complete sentence, it must commence with a capital letter, irrespective of its position within a larger sentence. On the other hand, if the quote is a sentence fragment, it should not be capitalized. This situation frequently arises when you are quoting a singular word or phrase rather than an extensive passage.
For example:
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
After A Colon
The decision to capitalize after a colon is contingent upon the purpose for which the colon is employed. When a colon is utilized to introduce a list, it is advised to forgo capitalization. On the other hand, if the colon is used to introduce an independent clause, the choice to capitalize becomes discretionary. Nevertheless, it is important to note that various style guides possess divergent preferences, necessitating a thorough examination of the specific format being employed.
For example:
Several friends have provided me with inspiration: Tim, Ian and, above all, Larry.
The meeting has been rescheduled for next Monday at 2:00 PM: please mark your calendars accordingly.
He faced a difficult decision: to stay and fight for his principles or to leave and start anew.
There’s a new exhibit at the museum: “The Art of Impressionism.”
We have to pack for our trip: clothes, toiletries, and travel documents.
When To Capitalize Seasons
Seasons are typically not capitalized in general usage, as they are considered common nouns. However, when used in titles or in specific contexts such as fashion, they may be capitalized as part of a proper noun.
For example: Fall Line, Spring Creation, Winter Term, Summer Break.
When To Capitalize Job Titles
Similar to how the changing seasons bring about varying weather conditions, the capitalization of job titles, positions, or honorifics can also fluctuate. When these titles are directly linked to a specific individual’s name, they are typically capitalized. However, when they are used in a more general sense to describe a job or position, they are written in lowercase. Additionally, honorifics such as Mr. and Ms. are capitalized when placed before a person’s name.
For example: Doctor Banker, Professor Williams, Advocat Liddle, President Bieden.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Capitalization Rules
What are the English capitalization rules?
The rules for capitalization in English state that certain words, such as the pronoun “I,” the first word of a sentence, and proper nouns like names, should be capitalized.
What words need to be capitalized?
It can be tricky to know when to capitalize certain words that can be both proper nouns and common nouns. In general, always capitalize names of people, places, titles of works, nationalities, languages, companies, historical periods, days, months, holidays, initials, and acronyms.
How do you capitalize job titles?
Job titles should be capitalized when they are part of a specific name, but should be lowercase when used in a general sense. For example, in the sentence “The fourteenth prime minister of Australia was Prime Minister John Curtin,” the job title “prime minister” is capitalized because it is part of a specific name.
How do you capitalize initials?
Capitalizing initials means to use uppercase letters for the first letter of each word in a title, name, or abbreviation.
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