1. Importance of Capitalization

Capitalization is crucial in writing as it helps convey meaning, indicates the beginning of sentences, and shows proper nouns. Understanding the rules of capitalization is essential for clarity and professionalism in writing.

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2. Basic Rules of Capitalization

a. First Word of a Sentence

• Always capitalize the first word in a sentence.
• Example: The dog barked loudly.

b. Proper Nouns

• Capitalize specific names of people, places, organizations, and brands.
• Examples:
  • People: Albert Einstein
  • Places: Paris
  • Organizations: United Nations

c. Days, Months, and Holidays

• Capitalize the names of days, months, and holidays.
• Examples:
  • Days: Monday, Friday
  • Months: January, December
  • Holidays: Christmas, Thanksgiving

d. Titles and Headings

• Capitalize the main words in titles and headings (except for short conjunctions, prepositions, and articles unless they begin the title).
• Example: To Kill a Mockingbird

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3. Common Capitalization Errors

a. Incorrect Capitalization of Common Nouns

• Do not capitalize common nouns unless they start a sentence.
• Incorrect: The Dog barked at the Cat.
• Correct: The dog barked at the cat.

b. Misuse of Capital Letters in Titles

• Only capitalize the first and last words of titles and all major words in between.
• Incorrect: the Catcher in the rye
• Correct: The Catcher in the Rye

c. Incorrect Capitalization of Adjectives

• Do not capitalize adjectives unless they are part of a proper noun or title.
• Incorrect: The movie was a great success for the 21st century.
• Correct: The movie was a great success for the 21st Century.

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