Use of Capital Letters

1. Capitalize names of particular persons or places.

• the Rotary Club
• Northeastern University
• the Empire State Building

2. First words in lines of poetry:

• It was many and many a year ago,
• In a kingdom by the sea,

3. Never capitalize a junior high school or high school unless it is the name of a specific school.

•  Clayton Junior High

4. School subjects are not capitalized except for the names of languages.

• I am studying history and French.

5. The name of a particular class or course is capitalized especially when followed by a number.

• My class is Keyboarding 1120
• A new course called Current History has been added.

6. Don't capitalize seasons--spring, winter, etc.

7.  Capitalize "north, east, south, west" when they indicate parts of the country.

• I lived in the East for ten years.

8. When these words indicate direction, don't capitalize them.

• Walk four miles north to get to the next town.

9.  Titles of people are capitalized when they are followed by the name--

• Uncle Joseph, Aunt DaNeene, etc.

10. Titles of people in very high national or state offices are often capitalized even when not followed by the name.

• Every American President has had problems to face.
• The Secretary of State has left for Europe.

11. When the position is referred to instead of the person, the position is not capitalized.

• The President has not named a new secretary of state.

12. When the title of a person is used in place of the name, it is capitalized. (This rule generally occurs in direct address).

• Will you come with me, Mother?
• Good morning, Professor.

13. Do not capitalize words of family relationship when used with a possessive pronoun.

• my cousin Jim, your aunt Sally.

14. Capitalize the first words and all important words in a title.

• The Last of the Mohicans, For Whom the Bell Tolls

15. Capitalize words referring to the Deity.

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Copyright (C)1999 by Ed Reber. All rights reserved.This document may be distributed as long as it is done entirely with all attributions to organizations and authors. Commercial distribution is strictly prohibited. Portions of this document may be copyrighted by other organizations.