Conventions of Composition Rule 25

Rule: Capitalization: Capitalize the first word in each sentence, all proper nouns, and people's titles (when the title precedes the name). Always capitalize the first-person, singular pronoun (I). To reflect the shared cultural identity, capitalize Black; to refer to the color, do not capitalize black.


Examples:

Wrong: i asked my Mom if i could go to the dance with taylor.

Better: I asked my mom if I could go to the dance with Taylor.

Also better: I asked Mom if I could go to the dance with Taylor.

Wrong: when coach smith called a meeting, the bearcats all gave their full attention.

Better: When Coach Smith called a meeting, the Bearcats all gave their full attention.


Practice capitalizing these sentences:

  1. we wanted to visit phoenix, arizona, but my family thought it would be too hot.

  2. i asked uncle chris if he knew the best places to eat near tulane university.

  3. the captain came on the loudspeaker to announce that the great green wave would dock soon.


Resources for further explanation of rules of capitalization:

Grammar Book's Capitalization Rules