Capitalization Do’S And Don’Ts: A Cheat Sheet

When to Capitalize: A Free Printable Cheat Sheet

Do capitalize Do not capitalize Professional 1. Capitalize titles when they Capitalize titles when they appear titles are used directly before a on their own or follow a name: name:  I was delighted when I got  President Obama the opportunity to meet the addressed the nation in his president. State of the Union address.  George Brown is the chief of  The Chief of Staff, staff. George Brown, attended Capitalize job descriptions: the opening party.  Joe works as a project 2. Capitalize titles that follow manager. the name on the address or  I hope to one day get a job signature line: as an accountant.  Sincerely, Mrs. Moore, Chairperson. 3. Capitalize any titles that are used as a direct address:  Do you think I need medication Doctor?  Can you help me after school please Professor? 4. Capitalize the first word in a salutation (Mr. Ms. Mrs. etc.):  Dear Mr. Jones:  I waited for my teacher, Ms. Brown, to enter the room before I sat down. Common Capitalize common nouns if 1. Capitalize common nouns when nouns they are part of a proper name they stand alone or are used in for place, person or thing: subsequent references:  The Conservative  The party did not submit a Party. candidate for the presidency.  The River Ribble.  I spent a pleasant day walking along the river. 2. Capitalize plural cases of common nouns:  The Severn, Ribble and Thames are just three of the rivers that can be found in the United Kingdom. Seasons, 1) Capitalize the names of Capitalize the names of seasons months and seasons if they appear in proper when they are used as common days of the names: nouns:

www.vappingo.com week.  The Winter Olympics.  I really can’t wait for the  The Summer of Our summer now. Discontent.  This winter has been 2) Capitalize months and days extremely cold. of the week:  The next meeting will take place on the first Tuesday in February. Rooms Capitalize the word room if it is Capitalize the word room if it is not used as a proper name: the name of a specially designated  Room 101. room:  The party will be held  There are three rooms on in the Somerville Room. the lower level.  Dinner will be served in the dining room at dusk. Directional Capitalize directional indicators Capitalize general directional indicators that refer to specific geographic indicators: (e.g. North, regions or popularized names  The wind blew from the South, East, for those regions: west. West).  The Northeast.  The north of the country is  The Midwest. much cooler than the south. Titles of 1. Capitalize the first and last Capitalize short words within titles publications words of titles of publications, such as a, an, the, but, as, if, and, regardless of their parts of or, nor, or prepositions, regardless speech. of their length, unless the title  The Help. commences with those words:  The Da Vinci Code.  One Flew over the Cuckoo’s 2. Capitalize other words Nest. within titles, including the short  Of Mice and Men. verb forms Is, Are, and Be.  Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus.

Agency Capitalize the words federal or Capitalize federal or state when names state when used as part of an they are used as general terms: official agency name or in  Washington is a state in the government documents where United States. these terms represent an official  Please ensure that you name: adhere to all federal laws.  The State of Washington.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation has featured in many documentaries. Course titles 1) Capitalize course titles that 1) Do not capitalize course titles ©2009-2012 Vappingo. All Rights Reserved.

www.vappingo.com are derived from proper nouns: unless they include a proper noun:  English 101.  I like math, science and  French history. history.  German. 2) Do not capitalize the names of 2) Capitalize specific titles of degree courses when they are used courses: in general:  ENGL 285 Themes in  I enjoyed studying my American Writing master’s degree.  Accounting 101  I hope to one day have a  After the completion of degree in accounting. my course I will have a Masters in Business Administration. Names of Capitalize the names of Capitalize the names of departments departments departments when used when used informally: officially:  I work in the accounting  I work for the department. Department of Accounting. Armed Capitalize the words Army, forces Navy, Marines, and Air Force, whether or not they are preceded by the name of the country under which they operate, e.g. U.S.

If you can’t find a rule for capitalizing a word in this sheet, via an online search or in any given stylebook, then err on the side of caution and start the word with a lowercase letter. –

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