- Basic Rules of Capitalization

 Now that the spelling and grammar check functions on most word processing programs can automatically change your simple mistakes, many people are not taking the time to apply basic rules of spelling and grammar.  However, the computer can and does make mistakes.  That’s why it’s important to know the rules without relying on your computer.  Though there are exceptions to every rule, here are the basics for capitalization.

1. Of course, the first word of every sentence is always capitalized.

2. Proper nouns are capitalized.  Common nouns are not.

A proper noun is a specific person, place, or thing, while a common noun is just a general person, place, or thing.

Common Nouns              Proper Nouns

            girl                                            Jane    

            college                                      DeVry College of Technology

            state                                         New Jersey

            month                                       October

            religion                                     Buddhism

            north                                        North Brunswick

            aspirin                                      Tylenol

            video game                              Sony Play Station

            planet                                       Pluto

3. Names should be capitalized.  Also, if a name is preceded by a title, the title should also be capitalized:  Aunt Mary, President Kennedy.  However, titles are not capitalized if they are general and not mentioned with a name:  “Her aunt is her favorite relative.” (Notice that “aunt” isn’t capitalized because there is no name mentioned with “aunt”)  If the name of the aunt is included, then the title “aunt” should be capitalized:  “Her Aunt Mary is her favorite aunt.”

4. Specific places get capitalized, such as state, country, town, city, county names, as names of oceans, rivers, mountains, etc...

Indian Ocean, Ozark Mountains, Texas, Dallas

5. Names of subjects or courses studied in school should be capitalized when using their specific names.  For example, “history” should not be capitalized because it’s a general name.  But, “World History” should be capitalized because it’s a specific name of a course.
   

6. Names of organizations should be capitalized:  Phi Beta Kappa, Women in Business and Technology, Student Government Association
   

7. The first word in quoted sentences.  “I said, “Get out of there.” 
   

8. Languages, nationalities, countries, and races:  Asian, Italian, Morocco, Hindu