Capitalization Part 2

Take
Notes

Take Notes in Your Composition Book

Titles Before Names

Capitalize titles before names unless followed

by a comma. Don't capitalize if used after a

name or in place of a name.

Examples:

• The president will address Congress.

• Chairman of the Board William Bly will

preside.

• The chairman of the board, William Bly, will

preside.

Titles vs. Occupations

Titles are not the same as occupations.

Don't capitalize occupations before names.

Examples:

⚬ director Steven Spielberg

⚬ owner Helen Smith

⚬ coach Biff Sykes

• Some titles blur the lines, like "general

manager" or "professor". The AP

Stylebook treats "professor" as an

occupation, not a title.

Direct Address

Capitalize a formal title when directly
addressing someone.

Example: Will you take my temperature,
Doctor?

Family
Names

Capitalize family names when they precede a personal name or replace a

personal name. Examples:

⚬ I found out that Mom is here.

⚬ You look good, Grandpa.

Don't capitalize when they follow a personal name, are possessive, or don't

reference a specific person.

Examples:

• Following a Personal Name:

⚬ I went to the park with my aunt Maria.

• Possessive:

⚬ That is my sister's bicycle.

• Not Referencing a Specific Person:

⚬ Every mother deserves a break.

Nicknames

Always capitalize nicknames. Examples:

• Meet my brothers, Junior and Scooter.

• I just met two guys named Junior and

Scooter.

Geographical
Regions

Capitalize specific geographical regions
but not compass directions. Examples:

⚬ We had three relatives visit from

the West. Go west three blocks.

⚬ We live in the Southeast vs. We

live in the southeast section of
town.

Some areas are capitalized due to fame
or notoriety, like "New York's Upper
West Side" or "Northern California".

Points of the Compass

Do not capitalize general compass directions.

Examples:

⚬ We left Florida and drove north.

⚬ Go west three blocks and then turn left.

However, when referring to specific regions,

capitalize them. Examples:

⚬ Most of the West Coast is rainy this time of

year (referring to the U.S.).

⚬ The west coast of Scotland is rainy this time

of year.

Famous or Notorious
Areas

Some areas are recognized and capitalized

due to their fame or notoriety. Examples:

• I'm from New York's Upper West Side.

• I'm from the South Side of Chicago.

• You live in Northern California; he lives

in Southern California.