Capitalization Unit 12

Parts of Proper Nouns  Capitalize words such as bridge, building, church, ocean, park, river, or school only when they are part of the actual name.  The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge.  My favorite zoo is the San Diego Zoo.  The Chrysler Building is the oldest building in the city.

Parts of Proper Nouns—part 2  Capitalize the words city and state only when they follow the city or state name.  Last summer we vacationed in New York State.  I was born in the state of Wisconsin.  Our plane will land shortly in the city of Seattle.  My best friend lives in New York City.

Organizational Terms  Capitalize the specific names of associations, chapters, clubs, companies, and corporations.  We make an annual donation to the American Lung Association.  I am a vice president at the Carnegie Corporation.  Do you belong to the Photography Club?

Organizational Terms—part 2  Ordinarily the names of departments or committees within an organization are not capitalized.  However, cap a department or committee that is part of the organization for which you work;  And cap a department within an organization to which you are writing.  I used to shop in the shoe department of Macy’s.  Our Tax Department can settle the problem.  I would like to apply for a position in your Advertising Department.

Organizational Terms—part 3  Do not capitalize organizational institutional terms such as association, board, club, committee, company, corporation, or department when they stand alone.  The board voted for the amendment.  My company just gave bonuses to all employees.  The committee meets twice a week.

Persons’ Titles Preceding Names  Capitalize a person’s title when it precedes his or her name. Do not cap occupational titles such as attorney, accountant, and sales representative.  Our attorney helped Uncle Sam make a will.  We asked Mayor Tierney to address our members.  The audience applauded President Kreckman at the meeting.

Persons’ Titles Preceding Names—Part 2  Do not capitalize a preceding title when the person’s name following the title is an appositive (or can be taken out)  I hope my uncle, Bill Carlson, made a will.  We asked the mayor, Connie Murphy, to speak to our members.  The audience applauded the new president, Hillary Carter.

Persons’ Titles Preceding Names—Part 3  In the case of the President of the United States, the title of President is always capitalized.  The President, Woodrow Wilson, was in office when war was declared in  Barack Obama is the President of the United States.

Persons’ Titles Following Names  Do not capitalize a title when it follows a person’s name.  Several books are available on the life of Charles DeGaulle, president of France.  Deanna interviewed Joe Porter, governor of our state.

Persons’ Titles Following Names  EXCEPTION  Capitalize a title that follows the name in a letter address or closing line of a business letter  Ms. Melinda Larson, President  Melinda Larson, President

Persons’ Titles Stand Alone  Do not capitalize a title that stands alone or is used in place of a person’s name.  The professor has written a book.  My doctor is on vacation.

Persons’ Titles Stand Alone— Part 2  Capitalize a title used in direct address that takes the place of the person’s name.  You don’t look well, Lieutenant.  Please understand, Doctor, that I respect your opinion.