Rule 1: Start of a sentence
Always capitalize the first word of every sentence.
- The sun set behind the mountains.
- Why did you travel to Lisbon?
- Please close the door quietly.
- Wow, that performance was incredible!
- Never give up on your dreams.
- She found an old letter in the attic.
- Can you recommend a good bookstore?
- Let’s explore the ancient ruins tomorrow.
- Rain is expected throughout the week.
- Everyone admired the painting’s beauty.
- Don’t forget to lock the car.
- Is there any coffee left?
- He ran faster than ever before.
- Welcome to our annual conference.
- Listen carefully to the instructions.
- Only three tickets remain for the show.
- Write your name at the top of the page.
- What a splendid view from here!
- Knowledge empowers every decision.
- After the storm, everything was calm.
Rule 2: Proper nouns (names, places, brands, organizations)
Capitalize specific people, places, organizations, and brands.
- Emma Watson delivered a powerful speech.
- We visited the Grand Canyon last summer.
- Microsoft announced a new AI tool.
- Dr. Hernandez works at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- Tokyo is one of the largest cities globally.
- My aunt lives near the Thames River.
- I bought a pair of Nike sneakers.
- The United Nations held a climate summit.
- Professor Lee teaches ancient history.
- Mount Everest attracts daring climbers.
- Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa.
- The Beatles revolutionized rock music.
- She graduated from Oxford University.
- Amazon launched a new delivery drone.
- Central Park is beautiful in autumn.
- President Carter received the Nobel Prize.
- The Guggenheim Museum features modern art.
- Venice is famous for its canals.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a classic.
- Tesla’s Cybertruck design is futuristic.
Rule 3: Days, months, holidays (not seasons)
Capitalize days, months, and holidays. Seasons (spring, summer) are lowercase.
- We’ll meet on Friday afternoon.
- January is the first month of the year.
- Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday this year.
- Her birthday is in December.
- Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers.
- I love walking in the park on Sundays.
- Halloween costumes are already in stores.
- The conference starts on March 15th.
- Easter Sunday brings many traditions.
- She was born on a Tuesday.
- Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide.
- Black Friday sales attract huge crowds.
- April showers bring May flowers.
- New Year’s Eve fireworks were stunning.
- They got married in June.
- Labor Day marks the end of summer.
- Independence Day is July 4th.
- We plan a trip during winter break.
- October often has crisp weather.
- The event will be held on the first Monday of September.
Rule 4: Titles of works, honorifics, job titles before names
Capitalize major words in titles and professional titles before a name.
- To Kill a Mockingbird is a masterpiece.
- President Joe Biden addressed the nation.
- The movie Oppenheimer won awards.
- Professor Williams teaches biology.
- She read Pride and Prejudice last month.
- Queen Elizabeth II reigned for decades.
- The article “Secrets of the Deep Sea” went viral.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed history.
- I enjoyed The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Chairperson Kim announced the new policy.
- Her favorite song is “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
- Chief Executive Officer Roberts spoke at noon.
- The painting Starry Night is iconic.
- Pope Francis visited the region.
- The poem “The Raven” is hauntingly beautiful.
- Captain Reynolds led the rescue team.
- His album Midnights broke records.
- Judge Taylor dismissed the case.
- The podcast Grammar Daily is helpful.
- Ambassador Green addressed the UN.
Rule 5: The pronoun “I” and the interjection “O”
Always capitalize “I” no matter where it appears. Capitalize the poetic “O.”
- My friend and I are going to the park.
- I can’t believe how fast time flies.
- After the game, I felt exhausted.
- She asked whether I would join the team.
- I think this is the right answer.
- Between you and me, I prefer early mornings.
- I‘ve never seen such a beautiful sunset.
- O mighty warrior, show your strength!
- Now I understand the whole situation.
- Last night I dreamed about flying.
- Should I call you later?
- Whenever I travel, I learn new things.
- I really appreciate your help.
- O Lord, grant us wisdom.
- I completed the marathon in under four hours.
- Today I finished writing my novel.
- I strongly believe in equal rights.
- O gentle breeze, bring relief.
- My sister and I baked a chocolate cake.
- I promise to keep your secret safe.
Rule 6: After a colon (if a full sentence) and in salutations
Capitalize after a colon when a complete sentence follows. Also capitalize salutations/closings.
- Here’s the truth: Honesty always wins.
- He remembered one thing: Patience is key.
- The rule is simple: Treat others with respect.
- She gave me advice: Follow your passion.
- Dear Sir: Thank you for your consideration.
- To Whom It May Concern: Your application is approved.
- The conclusion was clear: We must act now.
- One thought crossed my mind: Never surrender.
- He whispered this: Dreams do come true.
- The teacher announced: Bring your textbooks tomorrow.
- A famous quote: Knowledge is power.
- Sincerely yours: Maria Gonzalez.
- She wrote in her diary: Today was magical.
- The manual says: Press the red button first.
- His motto: Work hard and stay humble.
- Yours truly: Christopher Lee.
- The warning read: Danger ahead!
- The chef’s secret: Use fresh herbs only.
- The captain yelled: Abandon ship!
- Greetings: We invite you to the annual gala.
Rule 7: Languages, nationalities, proper adjectives
Capitalize languages, countries, and adjectives derived from proper nouns.
- She speaks fluent Japanese and English.
- Brazilian culture is vibrant and diverse.
- I love Italian cuisine, especially pasta.
- Shakespearean sonnets follow a strict rhyme scheme.
- French wine is famous worldwide.
- The Canadian Rockies are breathtaking.
- Mexican art often uses vivid colors.
- German engineering is highly respected.
- Indian classical music has ancient roots.
- He studies Greek mythology passionately.
- Egyptian hieroglyphs fascinate historians.
- Korean beauty products are trendy.
- Swiss chocolate is a premium delicacy.
- Australian wildlife includes kangaroos.
- The Russian ballet was phenomenal.
- Turkish coffee is served in small cups.
- She admires Victorian architecture.
- African safaris offer incredible wildlife views.
- The Spanish language sounds romantic.
- Nordic design emphasizes minimalism.
Rule 8: Historical periods, events, trademarks
Capitalize specific historical eras, named events, and brand/trademark names.
- The Renaissance sparked European art evolution.
- World War II ended in 1945.
- The Industrial Revolution changed manufacturing.
- We studied the Middle Ages in depth.
- The Great Depression affected millions.
- I use a Kleenex for my allergies.
- The Bronze Age introduced metal tools.
- The French Revolution reshaped politics.
- Google is the most visited search engine.
- The Cold War lasted decades.
- The Stone Age began millions of years ago.
- The Civil Rights Movement achieved landmark laws.
- Band-Aid is a popular adhesive bandage brand.
- The Victorian Era emphasized morality.
- The Age of Exploration expanded world maps.
- Xerox machines became a copy verb.
- The Jazz Age roared in the 1920s.
- The Space Race peaked with the moon landing.
- The Enlightenment valued reason and science.
- Tupperware containers are kitchen staples.