English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

 

English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

Beginnings of quotations

Another confusing topic is capitalization in quotes. The most important thing to know is whether the quote is a complete sentence or a sentence fragment. If the quote is a complete sentence, it starts with a capital letter, even if it begins in the middle of the sentence.

Marie Antoinette never actually said, “Let them eat cake.”

If the quote is a sentence fragment, do not capitalize it. This is most common when you’re quoting only a specific word or phrase instead of a long passage.

The substitute teacher called our class “goonish and unruly.”

After a colon

Capitalization of colons depends on what the colon is used for. If a colon is used to introduce a list, do not use capitalization.

Here’s what we need at the grocery store: blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream.

If the colon is used to introduce an independent clause, capitalization is optional. However, different style guides have different preferences, so double-check with whatever format you’re using.

There are plenty of reasons to plant a garden: First and foremost, it’s a lot of fun.

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in

English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

 

English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

Words that are sometimes capitalized

Family titles

The capitalization of family titles is a confusing topic. Family titles like mom or uncle can be either proper nouns or common nouns. In short, capitalize them when they’re used as proper nouns but lowercase them when they’re used as common nouns.

I have to ask my dad.

Can I go to the movies, Dad?

When family titles are used as common nouns, there is usually an article (the, a, an) or a possessive noun (my, your, our, etc.) in front of them. If you see an article or a possessive noun, it means keep the family title lowercase.

My uncle hates when I call him Uncle Joe because it makes him feel old.

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in

English capitalization rules: When to capitalize (Continuation)

 

English capitalization rules: When to capitalize

Days, months, and holidays

In English days and months are capitalized because they are proper nouns.

the first Sunday in April

When words like day or month are used generally, they are not capitalized. However, if they are part of a holiday name, they count as a proper noun and are capitalized.

What day is Father’s Day?

Initials and acronyms

Initials and acronyms combine the first letters of multiple words to make a new word. Typically, these use all capital letters.

WHO (World Health Organization)

UFO (Unidentified Flying Object)

However, some acronyms are used so often, they become separate words and use lowercase letters instead. For example, the word scuba started as an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus—now it’s a common word on its own, so it’s spelled in lowercase letters.

AUTHOR

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 641020

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in

Internet Slang to Improve your English

                                  Did you know the internet slang?

1. w/e   - Whatever

2. np      - No Problem

3. XOXO – Hugs and kisses

4. hru     - How are you?

5. gr8      – Great

6. syt       – See you tomorrow

7. w8       - Wait

8. IMU     – I miss you

9. YNN     – You never know

10. J4F    - Just for fun

11. OMG   – Oh My God

12. IRL      – In real life

13. TTYL    – Talk to you later

14. BFF     – Best friends forever

15. IDK     – I don’t know 

Improve Your English

                      Basic English Vs Advanced English

1. Sorry – Apologize

2. Problem – Issue

3. Improve – Enhance

4. Idea – Concept

5. Many – Numerous

6. Show – Demonstrate

7. Also – Moreover

8. Buy – Purchase

9. Use – Exploit  

10. Classmate – Peer

11. Teacher – Tutor

12. Student – Learner

13. Colleague – Workmate

14. Criminal – Offender

15. Tourist – Visitor