# 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: **S**he 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: **D**ear Mr. Novato: **S**incerely

Capitalize the names of persons and animals.\
EXAMPLES: **F**ranklin **D.** **R**oosevelt **W**illem **d**e Kooning

Capitalize geographical names

EXAMPLES: the **G**ulf of Mexico the **S**outhwest **P**rince
**W**illiam **F**orest

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

EXAMPLES: **N**eptune **P**olaris **G**reat Nebula

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

EXAMPLES: **K**ansas **C**ity **C**hiefs **F**uture **T**eachers of
**A**merica

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

EXAMPLES: the **E**ighties the **C**ivil **W**ar **H**annukah my
**B**irthday

Capitalize the names of nationalities, races, and peoples

EXAMPLES: **I**ndian **C**hinese **B**edouin

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

EXAMPLES: **A**llah **H**indus **C**hristmas **K**oran

Capitalize the names of buildings and other structures.

EXAMPLES: **C**olleyville **H**eritage **H**igh **S**chool **W**orld
**T**rade **C**enter

Capitalize the names of monuments, memorials, and awards

EXAMPLES: **L**incoln **M**emorial **N**obel **P**eace **P**rize

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

EXAMPLES: **E**nola **G**ay **U**.**S**.**S**. **E**nterprise
**C**hallenger

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

EXAMPLES: **C**ontinental **A**irlines **M**icrosoft **W**indows

## Notes

The use of medial capitals (those in the middle of words)is generally
considered poor English, although this is quite common on the Internet
and in advertisements. It\'s not necessary to capitalize styles of music
(e.g. \"indie\"), adjectives, or the name of companies if they
themselves don\'t use a capital letter (e.g. eBay) although the first
letter will sometimes be capitalized on the Internet due to technical
reasons. 

