Page 75 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

Study Section 15: Capitalization

15.1 Connect

Probably the most common error in research papers at the college is that the person writing does
not really understand which words need to be capitalized and which do not. At the college, we
take off points on a paper where words are incorrectly capitalized. So, it is extremely important
that you pay very close attention to these capitalization rules.

15.2 Basics

Capitalize the first word of a sentence, including quoted sentences.
• Everyone likes the new exhibit at the museum.
• As Abraham Lincoln said, “Four score and seven years ago, our forefathers brought forth on this
continent, a new nation.”
Capitalize the pronoun “I” and the interjection “O.”
• The birthday present is just what I wanted. I love you, O Lord.

Names of Places
Capitalize proper names of countries, continents, oceans, states, provinces, towns, cities, and street names.
• Namibia, Rwanda, and Gabon are all countries in Africa.
Common Names in Official Names

Capitalize common names as part of an official name: such as street, building, church, park, school.
• Ambassador International University, a college or university
• Fort Perkins, a fort
• Emory Street, a street
• Kazemba Church, a church
Names of People

Capitalize people’s first, middle, and last names.
• Johann Sebastian Bach was a great composer.
Calendar Items

Capitalize the days of the week, months of the year, and holidays.
• Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated on the 5th of May.
Titles
Capitalize the first and last words and all important words in titles of books, magazines, newspapers, poems,
stories, plays, and works of arts. (Unimportant words are coordinating conjunctions prepositions, and articles.)

I’ve always wanted to read The Wind in the Willows.

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