Capitalization Rules - Easy Guide
Rule 1: Capitalize Abbreviations of Organizations
Capitalize names of government offices, military units, and companies.
Examples:
- NBI
- PNP
- PAGCOR
- ABS-CBN
Rule 2: Capitalize Degrees and Titles
Capitalize academic degrees and professional titles. These may use all caps or just first letters.
Examples:
- CPA
- Ph.D.
- MBA
- P.E.
Rule 3: First Word in a Sentence
Always start a sentence or sentence fragment with a capital letter.
Examples:
- The community outreach was pushed through.
- Yes, I can make it.
- Total destruction. Nothing succeeds.
But if inside parentheses and not a full sentence, dont capitalize:
- She studied history under Dr. Amoroso (she wrote the text, you know).
Rule 4: Capitalize Direct Quotations
Capitalize the first word of a full quote.
Examples:
- He asked, "How can I help you?"
If the quote is split, lowercase the second part:
- "The President spoke," he said, "about unity."
If the quote is part of your sentence, lowercase it:
- The report said that "the company will recover."
Capitalization Rules - Easy Guide
Rule 5: Capitalize Questions in a Sentence
Capitalize full questions even if they are inside a sentence.
Example:
- The question is: What can we do? Who will help?
Rule 6: Capitalize After a Colon (Sometimes)
Capitalize if what follows is a full or long sentence.
Examples:
- This is clear: We need a break.
- He said: The team needs support.
Rule 7: Capitalize Lists or Enumerations
Capitalize if items are full sentences or commands.
Examples:
- Do these tasks:
Go to school.
Submit your paper.
Don't capitalize if phrases follow the sentence directly:
- The tasks are: go to school; submit paper; study for exam.
Rule 8: Capitalize Outline Headings
Start each heading with a capital letter.
Examples:
I. Managers Tasks
II. Production Responsibilities
a. Loan generation
Rule 9: Capitalize Greetings, Closings, and Memo Lines
Capitalize first word in greetings and closings.
Examples:
- Dear Sir:
- Sincerely yours,
Capitalization Rules - Easy Guide
- TO: All Managers
- SUBJECT: Holiday Schedule
Practice Exercises
Choose the correctly capitalized sentence:
1. a. the president gave a speech.
b. The president gave a speech.
2. a. She said, "we are ready."
b. She said, "We are ready."
3. a. The tasks are: Read the memo; submit your notes.
b. The tasks are: read the memo; submit your notes.
4. a. The memo said: we will leave at 8am.
b. The memo said: We will leave at 8am.
5. a. SUBJECT: meeting reminder
b. SUBJECT: Meeting Reminder
Answer Key
1. b. The president gave a speech.
2. b. She said, "We are ready."
3. a. The tasks are: Read the memo; submit your notes.
4. b. The memo said: We will leave at 8am.
5. b. SUBJECT: Meeting Reminder