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You are here: Home / Mechanics / Capitalization

Capitalization

  1. Capitalize nationality, race, language, and religion when used as nouns or adjectives. (Spanish, French, Protestant, Jewish, etc.)
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  3. Capitalize names of states, cities, bodies of water, places, streets, etc. (Pacific Ocean, Buffalo River, Springfield, Elephant Rock State Park, Preacher Roe Blvd.)
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  5. Capitalize the specific names of historical events, historical periods, and documents. (Spanish-American War, the Renaissance, the Constitution)
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  7. Capitalize the names of months, days, and holidays. (January, Monday, Easter)
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  9. Capitalize professional titles when they are part of names. (Dr. Herman, Professor Albin, Judge Garrett)
    Don’t capitalize professions (doctor, lawyer, judge, etc.).
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  11. Capitalize family relationships when they are part of names. (Uncle Joe, Grandma Johnson, Aunt Elaine)
    Don’t capitalize uncle, grandfather, aunt, etc. when they are not used with a specific name.
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  13. Capitalize brand names. (Purina, Nestle, Campbell’s)
    Do not capitalize the type of product (dog food, chocolate, soup).
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  15. Capitalize names for sections of the country (the East, the South, the Northwest).
    Do not capitalize directions (Go east on Jefferson Street and south on Broadway).
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  17. Capitalize the specific names of academic courses. (Sociology 111, World Literature 210, History 300)
    Don’t capitalize subjects unless they are languages.
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  19. Capitalize titles of books, poems, plays, & films. (Capitalize the first word and everything else except articles, conjunctions, and prepositions).

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