Rules for Capitalizing Proper Nouns
To ensure proper grammar, you always have to abide by specific rules. While it is true that it is easy to use proper nouns, there are always certain things that you have to consider. Here are just some rules for capitalizing proper nouns.
1. Capitalize First Names
Always capitalize first names. Whether it be your best friend or your worst enemy, their names should always be capitalized. This holds true since all names are proper nouns.
Example: Please take Bonnie, my boss, to the lounge where she will rest for a while.
Note that the name was capitalized while her position – boss – is in small letters.
2. Do Not Capitalize All Letters in a Sentence
Remember, do not capitalize all letters in a formal sentence, especially when they are not proper nouns. By doing so, you could only make reading more difficult if you do so.
Example 1: Please Get the Louis Vuitton Bag Of Dorothy.
Example 2: Please get the Louis Vuitton bag of Dorothy.
The first example seemingly provides emphasis to the sentence, but it is grammatically incorrect. Only capitalize the words which are proper, such as Louis Vuitton and Dorothy.
There are some instances where you could capitalize on the important words in a sentence, but only for titles or subheads. If you take a look at the subheadings of this article, you would be able to see.
3. Capitalizing Names of Books, Films, or Song Titles
If you are describing proper names of book, film, or song titles, do not capitalize everything. Only capitalize the words which are relevant.
Example 1: Me and You and Everyone We Know
Example 2: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Example 3: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
We take these words as one when we consider them as titles. Hence, we categorize them as proper nouns. Important words are capitalized, especially if they have a bearing to the story. However, the conjunctions and articles should be in small letters.
4. Capitalizing Family Endearments
When dealing with families, there are family capitalization rules that you should follow also. If you use the endearment directly, you use it as a proper noun. But if you are not using the endearment as a name, it should not be capitalized.
Example 1: Go fetch Dad his glass of water.
Example 2: Please call your dad to come tomorrow.
On the first example, the speaker could be related to the noun. Hence, it is capitalized. However, the second sentence is only used as an object so it should not be capitalized.
5. Capitalizing Directions
Directions should not be used as a proper noun unless they are a part of a place.
Example 1: Let’s go north and see if the missing dog is there.
Example 2: Have you ever visited North Carolina?
