English in Use/Capitalization

The use of capital letters in English is generally similar to in other Germanic and Romance languages with a few exceptions. The following list shows when you should use a capital letter:

Capitalization
Capitalize the first word in every sentence. EXAMPLE: She said, "It will be hard to go home after this fun vacation."

Capitalize the pronoun I. EXAMPLE: Ira said that I was the best dancer in the show.

Capitalize the interjection O. EXAMPLE: Guide and direct us,O Lord.

Capitalize the first word in both the salutation and the closing of a letter. EXAMPLES: Dear Mr. Novato:   Sincerely

Capitalize the names of persons and animals. EXAMPLES: Franklin D. Roosevelt   Willem de Kooning

Capitalize geographical names

EXAMPLES: the Gulf of Mexico      the Southwest       Prince William Forest

Capitalize the names of planets, stars, constellations, and other heavenly bodies.

EXAMPLES: Neptune                 Polaris             Great Nebula

Capitalize the names of teams, organizations, institutions, and government bodies.

EXAMPLES: Kansas City Chiefs      Future Teachers of America

Capitalize the names of historical events and periods, special events, holidays, and other calendar items.

EXAMPLES: the Eighties            the Civil War        Hannukah            my Birthday

Capitalize the names of nationalities, races, and peoples

EXAMPLES: Indian                  Chinese              Bedouin

Capitalize the names of religions and their followers, holy days and celebrations, sacred writings, and specific deities.

EXAMPLES: Allah               Hindus               Christmas          Koran

Capitalize the names of buildings and other structures.

EXAMPLES: Colleyville Heritage High School    World Trade Center

Capitalize the names of monuments, memorials, and awards

EXAMPLES: Lincoln Memorial     Nobel Peace Prize

Capitalize the names of trains, ships, aircraft, and spacecraft

EXAMPLES: Enola Gay      U.S.S. Enterprise   Challenger

Capitalize the names of businesses and the brand names of business products

EXAMPLES: Continental Airlines    Microsoft Windows