Capitalization Rules

Stephen & Kendall

Rule #1

0 Capitalize the first word of a document and the first word after a period.

Rule #20 Capitalize proper nouns—and adjectives

derived from proper nouns.0 a Shakespearean sonnet0 the Grand Canyon0 the Empire State Building

0 A word is not capitalized unless an item contains a proper noun or proper adjective (or, sometimes, a trademark). In such cases, only the proper noun or adjective is capitalized.0 German Shepard0 Golden Delicious apple

Rule #3

0 Capitalize titles when they are used before names, unless the title is followed by a comma. Do not capitalize the title if it is used after a name or instead of a name.0 the president will address Congress0 Chairman of the Board William Bly will preside at the

conference0 The chairman of the board, William Bly, will preside.0 The senators from Iowa and Ohio are expected to attend.0 Also expected to attend are Senators Buzz James and

Eddie Twain.

Rule #4

0 Titles are not the same as occupations. Do not capitalize occupations before full names.0 director Steven Spielberg0 coach Smith0 owner Amanda

0 Line between title and occupation often blurred, use best judgement

Rule #5a

0 Capitalize a formal title when it is used as a direct address0 Will you take my temperature, Doctor?

Rule #5b

0 Capitalize relatives' family names (kinship names) when they immediately precede a personal name, or when they are used alone in place of a personal name.0 I found out that Mom is here.0 It is common knowledge moms everywhere worry.

0 However, these monikers are not capitalized with possessive nouns or pronouns, when they follow the personal name, or when they are not referencing a specific person.0 My mom is here.0 Rachel’s mom worries.

Rule #5c

0 Capitalize nicknames in all cases.0 Junior and Scooter are at the hockey rink.0 Meet my friends, Junior and Scooter.

Rule#6

0 Capitalize specific geographical regions. Do not capitalize points of the compass.0 Go north 3 miles.0 My relatives are from the West.

0 Some areas have come to be capitalized for their fame or notoriety.0 I’m from the South Side of Chicago.

Rule #7

0 In general, do not capitalize the word the before proper nouns.0 I’m reading the London Times

0 In special cases, if the word the is an inseparable part of something's official title, it may be capitalized.0 I’m visiting The Hague

Rule #8

0 Do not capitalize city, town, county, etc., if it comes before the proper name.0 the city of New York0 New York City0 the county of Cook0 Cook County

Rule #9

0 Always capitalize the first word in a complete quotation, even mid sentence.0 Bill said, “We ran 3 miles.”

0 Capitalize only the first word of a quoted sentence0 “You misheard me,” Bill repeated, “we ran 3 miles.”

Rule #10

0 Capitalize the names of specific course titles, but not general academic subjects.0 Are you taking Algebra 101?0 Are you taking any history classes?

Rule #11

0 Capitalize art movements.0 I like Surrealism, but I never understood Abstract

Expressionism.

Rule #12

0 Do not capitalize the first item in a list that follows a colon.0 Bring the following: paper, a pencil, and a snack.

Rule #13

0 Do not capitalize “the national anthem”

Rule #14a

0 Rules for capitalizing composition titles:0 Capitalize the title's first and last word.0 Capitalize verbs, including all forms of the verb to be (is, are,

was, etc.).0 Capitalize all pronouns, including it, he, who, that, etc.0 Capitalize not.0 Do not capitalize a, an, or the unless it is first or last in the

title.0 Do not capitalize the word and, or, or nor unless it is first or

last in the title.0 Do not capitalize the word to, with or without an infinitive,

unless it is first or last in the title.

Rule #14b

0 Many books have subtitles. When including these, put a colon after the work's title and follow the same rules of composition capitalization for the subtitle.

0 Treat the subtitle as its own separate title0 The King's English: A Guide to Modern Usage

Quiz1.

a. Sally went to the store.b. sally went to the store.

2.c. I love going to the john hancock building.d. I love going to the John Hancock Building.

3.e. The president, Barack Obama, is coming to Oswego next month.f. The President, Barack Obama, is coming to Oswego next month.

4.g. Have you seen doctor John Smith?h. Have you seen Doctor John Smith?

5.i. Did you grade my assignment, Professor?j. Did you grade my assignment, professor?