Capitalization

A proper noun used as an adjective or an adjective formed from a proper noun is called a proper adjective. Proper adjectives are normally capitalized. This includes brand names. Correct: Syrian food a Kodak¨ camera Some proper adjectives may not be capitalized because the association with a particular name is gone. Correct: Teddy bear or

Capitalize a person’s title when used with the person’s name or as a direct address. The title is not capitalized when used generally. Correct: the Duke of Edinburgh Dr. Fleming Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. Incorrect: The Duke sends his regards. (Used as a general word, not personal title.) Correct: The duke sends his

Always capitalize the first and last word in a title. Capitalize all the other words except for a, an, the, and conjunctions and prepositions of four letters or fewer. This applies to titles of books, chapters, periodicals, poems, stories, plays paintings, musical compositions, and subtitles. Examples: The Chronicles of Narnia (The is the first word,

There are two additional rules for capitalizing when writing letters. 1. Capitalize the first word and all nouns in the salutation (or greeting). Correct: Dear Sir: My dearest Aunt, Greetings! 2. Capitalize the first word in the complimentary closing. Correct: Sincerely, Truly yours, With best wishes, For more, see Letter Writing topic in Grammar Contents.

The first letter of the first word in a sentence is capitalized. Correct: The first word in a sentence is capitalized. The first word of an interjection, an incomplete question, or fragmentary response is capitalized. Correct: “Did you do it?” “No.” “Why not?” “Because.”