Page 228 - Grammar for Great Writing B

Appendix 3 Capitalization and Punctuation

Basic Capitalization

Rule Example

Always capitalize the first word of a sentence. Today the board members will meet to discuss
the new zoning laws.

Always capitalize the word I no matter where it is Although I have carefully planned, I realize that
in a sentence. there are risks in the experiment.

Capitalize proper nouns—the names of specific Dr. Smith teaches sociology with her colleague
people, places, or things. Capitalize a person’s Ms. Wong.
title, including Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Dr.

Capitalize names of countries and other The official language of China is Standard
geographic areas. Capitalize the names of Chinese, or Mandarin. However, Chinese people
people from those areas. Capitalize the names of speak many different language varieties and
languages. dialects.

Capitalize titles of works, such as books, movies, Art historians have been analyzing the Mona
and pieces of art. Lisa to learn about its history and the painting
techniques used.

Geographic Names

Rule Example
Use the with countries that look plural or have the Netherlands
the word United, Republic, or Kingdom. the Philippines

the United States
the United Kingdom
the former Soviet Union
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Use the with deserts, forests, mountain ranges, the Sahara Desert
and certain other geographic areas. the Amazon Rain Forest
the Middle East (but Southeast Asia)
the Pacific Northwest
the South

Use the with most bodies of water, except the Nile River
individual lakes. the Mississippi River

the Atlantic Ocean
the Mediterranean Sea
the Great Lakes (but Lake Erie)

218 Appendix 3

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