A careful writer makes certain that he capitalizes correctly. Part of the difficulty in capitalization stems from whether the word is used as a proper noun. Rule is, when a word is a proper noun, it should always written in capital letters. Let us consider the following rules:
Rule 1. Capitalize the first word of every sentence. This rule applies to direct quotation as well as to unquoted material.
The teacher said, "Work on your homework at home."
( Not: "work on your . . . . " )
Rule 2. Capitalize the first word after a colon, when the colon introduces as appositive clause that is complete and independent in meaning.
This is the today's itinerary: We shall start the tour of the museum.
( Not: This is the today's itinerary: we shall . . . . " )
a. Do not capitalize the first word after a colon when the colon introduces a clause that is explanatory or dependent upon the preceding clause.
We have had three cars: one was a Toyota; one was a Ford; and the one we have now is a Honda.
b. Do not capitalize the first word of a quotation that is not a complete sentence.
Our president tries to be "all things to all men."
c. All parenthetical sentences within sentences begin with a small letter.
In the last report ( it was dated January 15 ), the claim had already been settled.
Rule 3. Capitalize the names of the days of the week, holidays, and months of the year.
Monday, Christmas, January
Do not capitalize the names of the seasons - spring, summer, autumn, fall, winter - unless they are personified.
We shall spend summer in Boracay.
"Where the ceaseless Summer her flowers bloom . . . . "
Rule 4. Capitalize adjectives and other words derived from proper nouns.
Filipino
Chinese
American
European
Do not capitalize a general word ( one that indicates a class of objects ). This applies to words that were once individual but have lost their specific force, as: diesel engine, china cup, roman candles, etc.
Rule 5. Capitalize the points of the compass ( north, east, south, west ) when they designate specific locations or sections of the country.
We came from the South.
We traveled to the Middle East.
Do not capitalize the points of the compass when they indicate a direction.
The east wind is so refreshing.
We shall drive north for a vacation.
Rule 6. Capitalize every proper noun.
Douglas Davao City Filipino Malacanan Palace
Rule 7. Capitalize common nouns when they are used with specific names to form a proper-noun group.
Pasig River
Pacific Ocean
Mount Apo
Berkeley Street
University of the East
Room 501
Most authorities do not approve the practise of many writers in writing generic words such as street, avenue, school, river, etc., without capitals when they are used with specific names.
Pasig High School, Ayala Avenue, Marikina River
( Not: Pasig high school, Ayala avenue, Marikina river )
Rule 8. Capitalize the principal words in the titles of book, magazines, bulletins and articles.
a. It is not necessary to capitalize articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.
"How to Sell to a Woman" was an interesting article on sales psychology adapted to women.
b. Titles of books are often typed or printed in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
c. Capitalize the article the when it is part of a proper name, legal name, or title.
We invited The Honorable Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to be our guest speaker.
We wrote to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
( Not: We wrote to The Philippine Daily Inquirer. )
Rule 9. Capitalize the names of specific products.
Apple Computers
Carrier Airconditioners
Corona Cigars
Rule 10. Capitalize the names of departments within a business organization, such as the Credit Department, Sales Department, Personnel Department, etc.
Many authorities think that an expression like sales department does not require capitals unless the writer wishes to give prominence to a particular department.
He works in the claims department of one of our insurance companies.
Mr. Arturo Fortin is the manager of the Fire Claims Department of the CBGS Adjusters, Inc.
Rule 11. Capitalize father, aunt, doctor, professor, president, and the like, when they precede a proper name, or when they are used in place of a proper noun.
I wrote to Father.
We shall discuss with President Aquino about this important matter.
Do not capitalize such titles when they are introduced by words like a, an, my, his, etc.
I called my mother.
His sister cannot attend.
He may be our next president.
Rule 12. Capitalize the first word and all nouns in the salutation of a letter.
My dear Miss Castillo:
Dear Sir:
Dear Miel,
Do not capitalize the word dear unless it is the first word in the salutation.
Dear Mr. Hilado:
My dear Mr. Agudo:
Rule 13. Capitalize only the first letter in the complimentary close.
Very truly yours,
Sincerely yours,
Respectfully,
Rule 14. Capitalize such words as company, corporation, and association when they are used as substitutes for the names of specific companies.
Rule 15. Capitalize words which indicate a classification, a division, a listing, or the like.
Order No. 9335
Form A
Plan IV
Unit B
Rule 16. Capitalize such division names as Vol. I ( Volume I ).
Section 1
Book II
Grade 3 Part IV
Acts V and VI
But: page 7
Rule 17. Capitalize sums of money when they are written out in business letters and legal documents.
I promise to pay to Elvert de la Rosa the sum of Five Hundred and Fifty-five Pesos . . .
Your contribution of Four Hundred Pesos to the Filipino Foundation . . .
Rule 18. Capitalize all nouns, personal and possessive pronouns ( but not relative pronouns ), and adjectives that refer to Deity.
God His Holy Name the Bible the Holy Book
Rule 19. Do not capitalize the names of studies unless they designate a particular course. Also, do not capitalize college classes ( freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior ).
The course was primarily shorthand, typewriting, office practise and business English.
The sophomore hazed the freshmen.
( Not: The Sophomore hazed the Freshmen. )
Rule 20. Capitalize personified words.
The Mountain smiled on him.
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