How to Capitalize Words

You probably know that proper names and the first word in a sentence should always be capitalized. But which words should be capitalized in the title of a book or movie? Are you supposed to capitalize the names of seasons? What about a person's professional title? The rules can get complicated but the following steps should answer many of your capitalization questions.

Instructions

1. Capitalize all proper nouns. A proper noun is the specific name of a person, place, or thing. For example:Mr. John SmithParis, FranceThe Liberty Bell

2. Capitalize the first word of a sentence and the first word in a quoted sentence. For example:The computers have been down all day."Are you picking me up tonight?" she asked.He replied, "Yes, I will be there."

3. Capitalize the first and last word of a title. Other words within the title should also be capitalized unless they are prepositions or very short words such as a, an, as, or, and the. For example:As the World TurnsIn the Still of the NightThe Long and Winding Road

4. Capitalize the names of days and months. For example:SundayTuesdayFebruaryDecember

5. Capitalize the names of holidays regardless of whether they are religious or secular. For example:ChristmasMemorial DayHalloween

6. Capitalize a person's professional title only when used with their name or to address them. Do not capitalize a title if it is being used generically. For example:"Mayor, will you be raising taxes this year?" she asked.We are going to Doctor Smith's office today.I was issued a ticket by Officer Jones.I was issued a ticket by the officer.The governor will be out of the office until Monday.

7. Capitalize north, south, east, and west only when they label an area or region. Do not capitalize them if they are just being used as directions. For example:His whole family comes from the North.If you planning on traveling out West, be sure to take lots of picturesI am driving east on I-40.Go south on Main Street until you reach the light.

8. Capitalize words like street, drive, avenue and road only when they are being used with the name of the street. For example:1st StreetAutumn DriveEastshore LaneTurn down that street.This road leads into town.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not capitalize seasons.

• Remember that Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., are all part of a person's name and should be capitalized.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• The Grammar Book