I've come to realize that many users of English language, are not very good in the use of capital letters. This actually has made most writings to be very unattractive to read. This is why I decided that we will have to a look at it.
*CAPITALIZATION!*
The word *"CAPITALIZATION"* in English language, simply means- the proper use of capital letters in English language. It may be to your interest to know that, it is not just limited to English Language, but also applicable, once Grammar is concerned, not minding the language.
When to use capital letters:
Before I list the uses of capital letters, it's important to know that, with regard to professional or academic writing, capitalization in English entails quite a bit more than simply knowing to begin names and titles with capital letters.
Having said this, let's list some of the rules and uses of capital letters.
Though there are numerous uses and rules associated with capitalization, I will mention few.
1. Capitalize the first word in quotations, provided the quoted material is a complete sentence. E.g- Dandy said, "The only way to have a friend is to be one."
2. Use capital letters for proper nouns. In other words, capitalize the names of people, specific places, and things in any given sentence. E.g- the word "bridge" should not be capitalized, unless it starts a sentence. However "Niger Bridge" or any other bridge must be capitalized, because it is the name of a specific bridge. Furthermore, The word "country" would not normally be capitalized, but we would have to write America with a capital "A" because it is the name of a specific country. Also, the word "state", while not normally be capitalized, but it would be written with a capital, if it is in the name of an organization, such as The Lagos State Board of Education.
3. Capitalize titles, when they are on the signature line of a letter, when the title comes immediately before a name, or when the title replaces the use of a name (i.e., a title used as a direct address). Let's see some examples:
Sincerely,
Mbah Dandy, Chairman.
Or, Hello Senator. It's nice to see you again.
Do not capitalize titles when they are not used as a direct address to a person. For example: The "governor" (and not "Governor"), will be in town today to inspect the building of the new secretariate complex.
4. Capitalize directions, only when they refer to specific regions. E.g- My favorite place in town is the Northern Gate.
Do not capitalize "north," "south," "east," and "west" when giving directions: E.g- Drive six blocks south, and then turn right.
5. All large words in the titles of movies, books, and other publications should be capitalized, while all small words (a, an, the, but, and, if, as, or, nor, to name a few) should not be capitalized unless they are the first or last words in the title: E.g- A Life Outside My Home (The word "A" would not normally be capitalized, but because it is the first word in the title, we must capitalize it).
Example 2- Way of the Cross (The words "of" and "the" are not capitalized because they are small and are not at the beginning or end of the titles.
6. The first word of a salutation should be capitalized, as well as the first word of a closing. E.g- Dear Dandy. or
Regards,
John Smith
7. Capitalize words derived from proper nouns. E.g- I like English, but mathematics is my favorite subject. (English is capitalized because it is derived from the proper noun England, while mathematica is not capitalized because it is not derived from a proper noun.)
However, Specific course titles should be capitalized. E.g- I don't know what I'm going to do. I have to take Chem 204 next year and it looks hard!
8. Capitalize when two or more sentences follow a colon. E.g- We have set this restriction: Do your chores before watching television. That includes washing the dishes.
Note: Do not capitalize after a colon if you are writing a list, or if there is only one sentence following the colon. E.g- There are many metals hidden away within the earth's crust: gold, zinc, and lead are just a few examples.
Example 2: There is a way to remember test information: study a lot the night before the midterm test.
Now you have gotten a better idea of how to use capital letters in your writing. Please, practice it always and trust me, with time, it will become a part of you.
I hope this meets you well.
Mbah Dandy™©•••(convener).
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