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Writing/Correct use of capital letters

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In American English, the rules for using capital letters are generally consistent with the broader rules of English grammar.[1] Here are some key guidelines for using capital letters:

  1. Sentence Beginnings:
    • Capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence. Example: The sun was setting over the horizon.
  2. Proper Nouns:
    • Capitalize the first letter of each word in a proper noun (the specific name of a person, place, or thing). Example: Mount Everest, John Smith, New York City
  3. Titles and Headings:
    • Capitalize the first and last words of titles and headings, as well as all major words in between (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and subordinating conjunctions like "if" or "because"). Example: "The Catcher in the Rye," "The War of the Worlds," "A Tale of Two Cities"
  4. Acronyms and Initialisms:
    • Capitalize all letters in acronyms and initialisms. Example: NASA, FBI, USA
  5. Days of the Week, Months, and Holidays:
    • Capitalize the names of days, months, and holidays. Example: Monday, December, Thanksgiving
  6. Geographical Names:
    • Capitalize the names of countries, cities, states, streets, mountains, rivers, and other geographical locations. Example: United States, Los Angeles, Mississippi River
  7. Historical Events and Periods:
    • Capitalize the names of historical events, time periods, and eras. Example: Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, Civil War
  8. Specific Institutions and Organizations:
    • Capitalize the names of specific institutions, organizations, and companies. Example: Harvard University, Microsoft, World Health Organization
  9. Specific Documents or Works:
    • Capitalize the names of specific documents, books, poems, songs, movies, and other creative works. Example: Declaration of Independence, "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Bohemian Rhapsody"
  10. Personal Titles:
    • Capitalize titles when they are used as part of someone's name or when they directly precede a name. Example: President Lincoln, Professor Smith

Remember that these rules provide a general overview, and there may be specific cases or exceptions. Following these guidelines will help ensure proper capitalization in American English writing.

  1. ↑ ChatGPT generted this text responding to the prompt: "What are the correct rules for using capital letters in american English?"
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