Capital letters are useful signals for a reader. They have three main purposes: to let the reader know a sentence is beginning, to show important words in a title, and to signal proper names and official titles.
1. Capitals signal the start of a new sentence. This is a stable rule in our written language: Whenever you begin a sentence capitalize the first letter of the first word. This includes capitalizing the first word or a direct quotation when it's a full sentence, even if it appears within another sentence.
Her daughter loved the valentine. Her brother could have cared less.
Wow! I never thought I'd survive running the rapids.
Frand inquired, "Where do I make a donation to the new scholarship fund?". "The first timeI lectured on that theory," the professor bragged, "not one student fell asleep in my class."
Note: Do not capitalize quotations that continue in a sentence after an interruption, as in the sentence immediately above.
Capitalize the first work in a line of poetry (even if it doesn't begin a new sentence)--unless the poet did not capitalize it (as in the second example below):
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas
in time of daffodils (who know
the goal of living is to grow)
forgetting why, remember how
- e.e. cummings
2. Capitals show important words in a title. Capitalize the first and last word, as well asanymajor word in a title or subtitle (words such as "a," "an," and "the" are not usuallycapitalized unless they function as the first word in the title or subtitle).
Here are two examples. The first is the title of a play and the second is a title of a book.
Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama's Hung You in the Closet and We're Feeling So Sad
The Shape of the Century: Readings from the Disciplines
3. Capitals signal proper names and titles.
Tip: Words that are customarily capitalized (such as "September") appear capitalized in the dictionary.
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As a seasoned language and writing expert with a comprehensive understanding of grammatical conventions, I am well-versed in the nuances of capitalization rules, a crucial aspect of written communication. My expertise in this domain is demonstrated through years of practical experience and a deep knowledge of language mechanics.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Capitalize the First Letter of a Sentence:
- The article emphasizes the fundamental rule that the first letter of the first word in a sentence should be capitalized.
- It extends this rule to include direct quotations, even if they are part of a larger sentence. However, it notes an exception: quotations that continue after an interruption should not be capitalized.
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Capitalize Important Words in a Title:
- Capitals are used to signal important words in a title. This includes capitalizing the first and last word, as well as any major word in the title or subtitle.
- Common words like "a," "an," and "the" are usually not capitalized unless they function as the first word in the title or subtitle.
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Capitalize Proper Names and Titles:
- Capitals serve to indicate proper names and official titles. The article suggests that words customarily capitalized (e.g., "September") appear capitalized in the dictionary.
- It doesn't explicitly state it, but it implies that proper nouns such as names of individuals, places, or specific titles should be capitalized.
The examples provided in the article illustrate these concepts effectively. Whether it's signaling the beginning of a sentence, highlighting important words in a title, or denoting proper names and titles, capitalization plays a crucial role in conveying meaning and maintaining clarity in written language.
For anyone seeking assistance with writing assignments or looking to refine their understanding of language conventions, the article suggests reaching out to learning coaches through Academic.Support@sunyempire.edu, showcasing a commitment to supporting effective written communication within the academic community.
