Scribd
Upload
81 views

1.3 Capitalization

The document provides guidelines for capitalization in technical writing in English. It discusses general rules such as capitalizing the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, titles, abbreviations and acronyms. It also covers capitalizing words in titles, names of organizations, courses and disciplines. Finally, it lists words that are typically not capitalized in titles such as articles, conjunctions and prepositions.

Uploaded by

yoraczayeng
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
81 views

1.3 Capitalization

The document provides guidelines for capitalization in technical writing in English. It discusses general rules such as capitalizing the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, titles, abbreviations and acronyms. It also covers capitalizing words in titles, names of organizations, courses and disciplines. Finally, it lists words that are typically not capitalized in titles such as articles, conjunctions and prepositions.

Uploaded by

yoraczayeng
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Capitalization

In technical writing in English, capitalization follows certain rules to ensure clarity and consistency. It's important to
note that these rules might vary slightly depending on the style guide you're following (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Some
style guides may prefer a more minimalistic approach to capitalization, while others may have specific rules for certain
words. Always check the guidelines of the style you are using or follow any specific instructions provided. Here are some
general guidelines:

1. Capitalize the first word of a sentence:


Example: The experiment yielded conclusive results.

2. Capitalize proper nouns and specific names:


Example: The Mars Rover successfully landed on the red planet.

3. Capitalize titles and headings:


Example: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

4. Capitalize abbreviations and acronyms:


Example: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

5. Capitalize significant words in titles, headings, and subtitles (title case):


Example: A Study on the Effects of Climate Change in Coastal Regions

6. Capitalize major words in the names of organizations, companies, and institutions:


Example: Microsoft Corporation

7. Capitalize the names of specific courses, subjects, and academic disciplines:


Example: Advanced Data Analysis in Biology

8. Capitalize proper adjectives derived from proper nouns:


Example: Shakespearean sonnets

9. Capitalize the first and last words in titles and headings, as well as all major words in between (title case):
Example: A Guide to Writing Technical Documents

10. Capitalize the first letter of each bullet point or item in a list if each item is a complete sentence:
Example:
• Follow the safety guidelines carefully.
• Use the appropriate tools for the task.

11. Capitalize specific software and hardware names:


Example: Adobe Photoshop, MacBook Pro

12. Capitalize compass directions only when they refer to specific regions or are part of a proper noun:
Example: The Northern Hemisphere, head south on Main Street.

13. Capitalize significant words in job titles when they precede a person's name:
Example: Chief Executive Officer John Smith

14. Capitalize the first word after a colon if it introduces a complete sentence:
Example: There are three important factors: Time, Cost, and Quality.

15. Do not capitalize common nouns unless they are part of a title or proper noun:
Example: The experiment studied the effects of temperature on plant growth.
In English titles, certain words are typically not capitalized unless they are the first or last words, or they are
significant words (such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs). These words are often referred to as "minor words" and are
typically not capitalized in title case. Here's a list of common words that are not capitalized in titles:

1. Articles (a, an, the):


Example: The Importance of Reading

2. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet):


Example: A Study of Physics and Chemistry

3. Prepositions (in, on, at, by, with, under, over, between, among, etc.):
Example: The Art of Painting on Canvas

4. Conjunctions (if, unless, because, although, when, while, etc.):


Example: When to Plant Spring Flowers

5. “to” as part of an infinitive (e.g., to read, to write):


Example: How to Write a Research Paper

6. Short coordinating conjunctions (up to four letters):


Example: A Day in the Life of a Cat and Dog
TASK:

Directions: Apply the correct capitalization rules to the sentences or phrases below.

1. the sun sets in the west.

2. The history of ancient rome is fascinating.

3. I enrolled in the advanced computer programming course.

4. my cousin works for the national broadcasting company.

5. they enjoy reading mystery novels by agatha christie.

6. the united nations security council met to discuss global issues.

7. have you read the book "the great gatsby"?

8. the ceo of apple Inc. is tim cook.

9. the concert featured songs from the beatles' album "abbey road."

10. we traveled from the south to the north during our road trip.

11. the professor taught a course on data analysis in biology.

12. the software adobe illustrator is commonly used for graphic design.

13. i am interested in studying marine biology.

14. did you read the article "the impact of social media on society"?

15. i am taking a course on modern european history.

16. do you prefer coffee or tea for breakfast?

17. the painting was created by an artist from italy.

18. he will visit us on friday.

19. the project manager, sarah jones, presented the proposal.

20. our team won first place in the robotics competition.

1. s competition.

You might also like