Capitalization Basics

Some Definitions

Proper Noun

A proper noun is a name given to a specific person, place, or thing.

Examples: Boise, Isaac, Sue, People Magazine.

Proper Adjective

A proper adjective is an adjective—a descriptive word—derived from a proper noun.

Examples: Idaho potato, California poppy.

Capitalization Rules: Always Capitalize

1. The first word of a sentence

If the first word is a number, write it out.

Today is a good day.

2. The personal pronoun I in all its forms

Give me some ice cream and I’ll eat it.

3. Proper nouns

We went to see the Broncos.

4. The first word in a quotation

Sarah said, “I applied at Micron last week.”

Capitalization Rules: Never Capitalize

1. Common nouns

A common noun names a nonspecific person, place, or thing.

I drove my car to work.

2. The first word in a partial quotation

A partial quotation is often contained within a sentence.

Dan said Finding Nemo was the “best movie ever.”

3. Direction words unless they refer to a specific region

Words such as east, west, and north are not capitalized when they simply indicate direction.

We hopped in the car and headed west.

Capitalize the word when it refers to a recognized part or region of the country.

In the West, the federal government owns much of the land.

4. The common noun in a proper-noun phrase

When a proper adjective modifies a common noun, the common noun remains lowercase.

Idaho potato