Capitalization
A general guideline for capitalization:
It’s impossible, on a tip sheet like this to identify every place a capital may
be needed!—or not needed. However, the following reminders are generally
true and consistent.
Capitalize the first word of a sentence.
Capitalize the pronoun ―I.‖ –But NEVER (unless the first word of the
sentence) ―you,‖ ―she,‖ ―they,‖ etc.
Capitalize proper nouns (specific names of people, places, things):
My roommate plays Hootie and the Blowfish constantly.
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the most famous
bridges in the world.
The Atlantic Ocean can be a rough, difficult ocean to navigate.
Capitalize words of family relationship when used as proper names:
My Aunt Susan left her husband’s watch to her son.
I call my father Dad, and on occasion Daddy.
Capitalize the names of deities and religious figures:
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Allah
The Prophet
Shiva
Buddha
St. Joseph
Capitalize titles preceding names:
Six colonels reported to General Forsythe.
The doctors on the panel agreed with Dr. Mendez.
Capitalize north, south, west, and east when used of sections of a
country, but not as compass directions:
The Southwest is the fastest growing region of the country.
To reach Jake’s house, go two miles on North Country Road, then
turn east for five miles.
Capitalize days of the week, months, and holidays—but do not
capitalize the seasons:
This autumn, Halloween will fall on the last Friday in October.
Capitalize the names of specific course—but not the overall area of
study:
Of all my biology courses, Biology 215 was the most stimulating.
Capitalize the names of countries, nationalities, and specific languages:
Americans, that is, people who live in the United States, speak a type
of English.
Capitalize the major words in titles of books, articles, and songs:
One of Robert’s favorite books is Catcher in the Rye. My own
favorite is The Great Gatsby.