CAPITALIZATION

1. Capitalize the first word of a sentence

This is one of the easiest, most straightforward rules of capitalization. Whenever you start a new sentence,
capitalize the first letter of the first word. Simple as that!

2. Capitalize proper nouns and names

A proper noun is a specific name for a person, place, or thing. These types of nouns should always be
capitalized, no matter where they land in a sentence. Proper nouns include but aren’t limited to: companies,
countries, cities, political parties, and religions.

Names should also be capitalized. That includes first, middle, and last names.

3. Capitalize the majority of titles

Capitalization rules for titles can vary from style guide to style guide. As a rule of thumb, you should capitalize
the first word of a title, verbs, adjectives, nouns, and of course, proper nouns. This leaves prepositions, articles,
and conjunctions in lowercase.

Pro Tip: You should also capitalize someone’s title – like Doctor or Judge – if you directly address them, even
if you leave out their name.

4. Capitalize events and periods

You will need to capitalize periods, eras, and specific events. However, centuries and century numbers should
not be capitalized.

5. Capitalize “I” as a pronoun

We’re all used to seeing words like iPhone, iPad, and iMac by now. You don’t have to capitalize the “i” in these
words. It would look strange if you did and wouldn’t be grammatically correct. However, if the “I” is a
pronoun, then it should always be uppercase.

6. Capitalize any locations and direct addresses

When a direction is part of a name, then you should capitalize it. For example, South Bend or Northern
California. However, if it’s just a direction and not part of a name, then it shouldn’t be capitalized, like “turn
east at the stop sign.”

7. Capitalize family relationships

When you use a word to indicate a family relationship, it should be capitalized if it’s used as a proper noun. For
instance, “Grandpa” or “Uncle Bob.” However, if you aren’t referring to that person by name, then it wouldn’t
need to be capitalized. For example, “my grandpa” or “our uncle.”

8. Capitalize months, holidays, and days

The names of months, holidays, and days are considered to be proper nouns. This means they need to be
capitalized.

9. Capitalize trademark names

Trademark and brand names are typically seen as proper nouns. This means you’ll need to capitalize them.

10. DON’T capitalize after a colon

The final rule on our list is a little different. This one tells you when NOT to capitalize. In general, you
shouldn’t capitalize the word following a colon. You aren’t starting a new sentence, so there’s no need for it.

However, there is an exception to this rule. If the first word following a colon is a proper noun, then it needs to
be capitalized.
THE 14 PUNCTUATION MARKS

Period (.)
This one is probably the most straightforward. Also referred to as a full stop, the period denotes the end of a
sentence. A full sentence is considered as one that is complete and declarative.

Question Mark (?)

A question mark also ends a sentence, however it ends a sentence that is a direct question. Typically, sentences
that are questions begin with what, how, when, where, why, or who.

Exclamation Point (!)

An exclamation point or exclamation mark is also used at the end of a sentence when that sentence expresses an
intense emotion. The expression can be a variety of things, from excitement, disgust, anger, joy, or anything
else. Exclamation points are meant to add emphasis to a sentence.

Comma (,)
Commas are used to insert a pause into a sentence. The purpose of the pause can be for different reasons, such
as to separate ideas, phrases, or even alter the structure of a sentence.
Commas have a few different uses. Commas are used for a direct address, such as:
Joe, it was nice to see you again.
They’re also used to separate two complete sentences:
He went to the library, and then he went out for lunch.
Commas can also be used to list items in a sentence:
She went shopping and bought shoes, a dress, two shirts, and a pair of pants.
Commas are one of the most misused punctuation points, and its misuse often results in a comma splice. A
comma splice is when you join two independent clauses with a comma instead of a conjunction. For example:
It’s almost time for dinner, I’m not hungry.
Instead of using a comma, the sentence should read:
It’s almost time for dinner and I’m not hungry.

Colon (:)
A colon has three primary uses. One way to use it is when introducing something, such as a quote, an example,
a series, or an explanation.

A colon can also be used to link two independent clauses if the second clause clarifies or completes the first
one. For example:
They didn’t have time to waste: it was already late.
Finally, a colon can also emphasize a subject in a sentence:
I only hate one vegetable: brussel sprouts.

Semicolon (;)
Similar to a colon, a semicolon links two independent clauses. However, in this case, the clauses are more
closely related than when you would use a colon.

Both clauses are independent enough to be their own sentences, but instead of using a period, it’s possible to
use a semicolon to show both clauses are connected.

Dash (-)
There are two types of dashes that vary in size and use.

En dash: Typically shorter in length, the en dash is used to denote a range, such as between numbers or dates.
For example:
 The company was operational from 1990-2000.
Em dash: this dash is longer, and is sometimes used instead of other punctuation marks, like commas, colons, or
parentheses. Here’s an example:
Her answer was clear — Yes!

Hyphen (-)
Not to be confused with a dash, a hyphen is used in compound words when two or more words are connected.
Here are some examples of hyphenated words:

Step-by-step
Mother-in-law
Ex-boyfriend

Brackets ([ ])
Brackets are used to clarify something or for technical terms or explanations. It can also be used to clarify a
subject when quoting another person or text.

Braces ({ })
It’s unlikely you’ll need to use braces very often unless you’re writing a mathematical or technical text.
However, it’s still good to know so you don’t accidentally use them instead of brackets or parentheses. Braces
are usually used in operations, for example:
6{3x+[28+2]}=xy

Parentheses (( ))
Parentheses are used to supply further details or information or as an aside. Parentheses can often be replaced
with commas and the sentence would retain its same meaning. Here’s an example:
Kate (who is Matt’s wife) likes to go for walks.

Apostrophe (‘)
Apostrophes are meant to show that a letter or letters have been omitted and also to indicate the possessive or
contractions. It can also be used to pluralize lowercase letters. Here are some examples:
I’ve been working from home for 6 months and it’s great.

Quotation Marks (“)

Quotation marks are used to denote text, speech, or words spoken by someone else. It is also used to indicate
dialogue.

“I don’t like this,” said Mark.

Single quotation marks (‘ ’), not to be confused with apostrophes, are often used for a quote within a quote.
Jill told her mother “Jack ran up the hill and he said he was going to ‘fetch a pail of water’ before he fell.”

Ellipsis (…)
An ellipsis is three periods used together to represent an omission of words or letters. They are often used to
jump from one sentence or phrase to another while omitting unnecessary or obvious words. It’s also used when
quoting someone and unnecessary words are left out.

Here are some examples:

At midnight, she began to count down: “ten, nine, eight…” and then the ball dropped.