Capitalization

CapitalizationWhen should we use a capital letter?The first words of a sentence.Writing is so time consuming.

The pronoun IMan, am I tired of seeing this mistake.Proper nouns (the names of specific people, places, organizations and sometimes things)Garnet Valley School DistrictThomas JeffersonGlen Mills, PennsylvaniaFederal Bureau of InvestigationIndian Removal Act Family relationships (when used as a proper name)I went shopping for a birthday present for Aunt Sue.I went to tea with Mother.The names of God, specific deities, religious figures, and holy booksthe Biblethe KoranZeusGod the Father

EXCEPTION: do not capitalize the nonspecific use of the godI worship one female god and one male god.Titles proceeding names, but not titles that follow namesDr. AckerPrincipal PenningMs. Papa, principal

Directions that are names (North, South, East, and West when used as sections of the country, but not as compass directions.The South lost the Civil War.Travel west and you will reach the Pacific Ocean.The days of the week, the months of the year, and holidays (but not the seasons used generally)Flag DayAprilTuesdayAutumn

EXCEPTION: Seasons are capitalized when used in a titleWinter of 2015

The names of countries, nationalities and specific languagesGermanGermanyFrenchCherokeeNative AmericanThe first word in a sentence that is a direct quoteSuccess is not final, failure is into fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. William ChurchillThe major words in the titles of books, articles, and songs but not short prepositions or the articles the, a, or an, if they are not the first word of the title)Members of national, political, racial, social, civic, and athletic groupsRepublican PartySeminole Indians

Periods and events (but not century numbers)Jackson EraJefferson AdministrationGreat Depression

TrademarksMcDonaldsWendysChick-Fil-AWindowsWords and abbreviations of specific names