Capitalization Rules

There are many times when a word or words must be capitalized. Here are ten capitalization rules you should know and use. An example is shown for each rule.

• Capitalize the first word of a sentence.

It is important to know when a word must be capitalized.

• Capitalize the pronoun “I.”

Do you think I should study for another hour?

• Capitalize proper nouns (names of specific people, places, events, and organizations).

I believe that George Washington was our greatest president.

• Capitalize days of the week, holidays, and months of the year.

We usually go on vacation during July and August.

• Capitalize the first word in a quote.

I was pleased when my teacher said to me, “You are a wonderful student.”

• Capitalize the name of a language.

Next year I will study Spanish literature.

• Capitalize the official title of a person when used with that person’s name.

My friend told me that Dr. Hawkins is a great chemistry teacher.

• Capitalize initials in someone’s name.

My favorite author is J. R. R. Tolkien.

• Capitalize the first word of a salutation or closing.

With warmest regards,
Amanda Warren

• Capitalize the first word and last words and each important word in the title of a book, movie, etc. Do not capitalize short words within a title (e.g.,a, an, and, as, if, for, or, the). Also, do not capitalize prepositions.

I was very moved when I read To Kill a Mockingbird.

There are many capitalization rules. Knowing and using these ten rules is a good start.