Capitalization Rules Capitalize the first word in a sentence. Managing time reduces stress. Capitalize proper nouns. Do not capitalize common nouns. The Benbow Inn is in California. We attended a time management workshop. Capitalize the names or nicknames of specific persons. Elena Catelli Nick PP 6-2a

Capitalization Rules Always capitalize the pronoun I. Do not capitalize other pronouns unless they appear at the beginning of a sentence. I return my phone calls at 11 a.m. He kept his urgent papers in a red folder. Capitalize specific names of geographic locations. Do not capitalize general location names. Kansas City is located in both Kansas and Missouri. The mountains of Colorado are beautiful. PP 6-2b

continued Capitalization Rules Capitalize informal substitutions for proper nouns and shortened versions of proper nouns. These substitutions are often referred to as imaginative names and nicknames. the Oval Office Air Force One Mother Nature a Big Mac Big Brother (intrusive big government) the Beltway (Washington, D.C.) the Big Apple (New York City) City of Angels (Los Angeles) the Pacific Rim PP 6-2c

continued Capitalization Rules Capitalize adjectives formed from proper nouns. However, adjectives formed from proper nouns that are now commonly used and that are no longer identified with those nouns are not capitalized. Proper Adjectives Commonly Used Adjectives Italian leather french fries Greek food manila folder Australian hat arabic numbers PP 6-2d

Companies, Institutions, and Clubs Capitalize the first letters of all major words in names of companies, institutions, organizations, and clubs. Do not capitalize articles (a, an, the), conjunctions (and, but, or, nor), and prepositions with fewer than four letters (of, in, on, by) unless one of these words is the first word of the name. Valley of the Moon Camp Inn at the Tides The Pet Pantry Sonoma State University PP 6-3a

Departments, Committees, and Divisions Capitalize the specific names of departments, committees, project teams, or divisions within the organization with which the writer is associated. The Human Resources Department offers time management seminars. Do not capitalize names of departments, committees, project teams, or divisions if words other than the appear before them or if the names are not precise. Call someone in their accounting department about your refund. PP 6-4

Government Units Capitalize specific official names of foreign, national, state, and local government units. The Republic of Ireland National Park Service Capitalize the names of agencies, divisions, departments, offices, commissions, and boards. Human Services Department Cultural Heritage Board Capitalize short forms of the names of government units. the House the Congress PP 6-5

Titles Capitalize a social, professional, religious, academic, political, or military title that precedes a name. Mrs. Jamie Chen Dr. Bruce Comstock Professor Betty Howell Mayor Bob Lindsey Capitalize a title that follows the name of a high-ranking foreign, national, or state government official. Capitalize a title used to substitute for the complete name of a high-ranking government official. George W. Bush, President of the United States Thomas Vilsack, Governor of Iowa PP 6-6a

Family Titles Capitalize the title of a family member when it is used by itself or when it is used in direct address. I always wondered how Father found time to coach Little League. I will not be home for dinner tonight, Mom. Capitalize the title of a family member when it precedes a name. I ride to work with Aunt Julia. PP 6-7

Publications Capitalize the first letters of all the words with four or more letters in the title of a book, magazine, or newspaper. Underscore or place these titles in italics. Do not capitalize articles, conjunctions, or prepositions with fewer than four letters unless they are the first or last words in the title. Ames Daily Tribune Travel and Leisure The Boston Globe Sports Illustrated magazine PP 6-8a

Events and Holidays Capitalize the names of historical and current events, holidays, and special events. Vietnam War Thanksgiving Labor Day Leukemia Curathon Summit Avenue Walking Tour PP 6-9

Acts, Bills, and Laws Capitalize specific titles of laws, acts, codes, and amendments. Child Safety Law 102 Family and Medical Leave Act Do not capitalize general names of laws, acts, codes, or amendments. the animal control regulations several conservation bills PP 6-10

Academic Degrees Capitalize a specific academic degree that follows a person’s name. Jan Reynolds, Ph.D., teaches time management. Do not capitalize academic degrees used in a general way. She received her associate’s degree from Pikes Peak Community College. PP 6-11

Languages Always capitalize names of specific languages. Mark speaks Danish and Swedish fluently. This computer program translates English into Japanese. PP 6-12

Education Levels, Subjects, and Courses Capitalize a specific education course title. Office Communications 202 Do not capitalize the general name of a course or area of study or a general level of education. majoring in computer applications earning an accounting certificate completed classes in business English and communications PP 6-13

Religious References Capitalize the names of specific religious groups, religious days and books, names of churches, and any adjectives formed from religious terms. Judaism Koran Christians Easter PP 6-15

Days, Months, and Seasons Capitalize days of the week and months of the year. Monday September Do not capitalize the name of a season unless it is listed with a specific year or is included in the specific name of an event. summer sales Art in Autumn Festival PP 6-16

Abbreviations Capitalize an abbreviation representing a proper noun. UPS United Parcel Service AFLAC American Family Life Assurance Company Capitalize some shortened forms of common nouns. CPA certified public accountant PC personal computer CEO chief executive officer PP 6-19