Capitalization rules

Capitalization rules

1. Capitalize the first word of a document and the first word after a period.

2. Capitalize proper nouns—and adjectives derived from proper nouns.

3. Capitalize brand names

4. Capitalize titles when they are used before names, unless the title is followed by a comma. Do not capitalize the title if it is used after a name or instead of a name.

5. Titles are not the same as occupations. Do not capitalize occupations before full names.

6. Capitalize a formal title when it is used as a direct address. The more formal the title, the more likely it is to be capitalized.

7. Capitalize relatives' family names (kinship names) when they immediately precede a personal name, or when they are used alone in place of a personal name

8. Capitalize nicknames in all cases.

9. Capitalize specific geographical regions. Do not capitalize points of the compass.

10. In general, do not capitalize the word the before proper nouns.

11. It is not necessary to capitalize city, town, county, etc., if it comes before the proper name.

12. Always capitalize the first word in a complete quotation, even midsentence.

13. Do not capitalize quoted material that continues a sentence.

14. For emphasis, writers sometimes capitalize a midsentence independent clause or question.

15. Capitalize the names of specific course titles, but not general academic subjects.

16. Capitalize art movements.

17. Do not capitalize the first item in a list that follows a colon.

18. Do not capitalize "the national anthem."