Capitalization Cheat Sheet

In the age of text messaging, capital letters are often disregarded. Shortcuts become embedded practices. Then, when the mode of communication changes, the rules become forgotten. Sometimes, a simple review of the expectations can prove helpful. I hope it helps!

Rule 1: Capitalize the first word beginning a sentence.

Example:

The boy went to the fair.

Rule 2: Capitalize the pronoun I

Example:

Tomorrow, I am going to the fair.

Rule 3: Capitalize proper nouns that name specific places, times, items, or literary works

Note: A noun is a person, place, thing or idea. It is a proper noun when it specifically refers to just one and not a group.

Example:

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Bob is going to the Western Idaho Fair.

Practice: Determine what should be capitalized in the following sentence. Answers are at the bottom of the post.

my brother and i visited the state capital when we drove through new york in august during our summer vacation.

Rule 4: Capitalize proper adjectives

Note: An adjective is a descriptive word. It is a proper adjective when it specifically refers to just one and not a group.

Example:

Bob and I are going to the fair so we can write a story about it for English class.

Practice: Determine what should be capitalized in the following sentence. Answers are at the bottom of the post.

I salute the american flag as a sign of respect to the citizens of the united states who served in conflicts.

Rule 5: Capitalize proper names and titles

Example:

I am going to write an essay for my English teacher, Mrs. Williams.

Practice: Determine what should be capitalized in the following sentence. Answers are at the bottom of the post.

in study hall mr turnbull agreed to let us listen to music by a famous band named red hot chili peppers.

Capitonyms

A final word —Capitonyms are words that are spelled the same, can be pronounced the same or not, and have different meanings. Use the rules above to see if you can determine what should be capitalized.

For example, turkey can refer to a bird or a country. The word march can be a verb or a noun. To determine if a capital letter is necessary, the use of the word must be considered.

Examples:

A turkey may march into the kitchen.

The average temperature in Turkey in March is 13 degrees Celsius.

Practice:

we boarded a titanic ship to sail on vacation that reminded me of the original titantic.

we visited with the nice policeman during a vacation to nice, italy.

Answers to practice sentences