When you capitalize a word you are adding emphasis or importance,
or otherwise highlighting the word. Be cautious about conveying the significance
resulting from capitalizing a word. The points that follow
outline when it’s proper to capitalize words and when it’s considered
optional. (Note that you don’t capitalize seasons [except in a title or if
personified] or directionals. Compass points, when abbreviated, are capitalized.)
Here are ten common capitalization issues you’re likely to run into
in business writing.
1. Capitalize official titles of honor and respect when they precede
personal names.
Princess Diana vs. Diana, the princess
Ms. Mary Watkins
President Washington vs. Washington, the first president of the
United States of America
2. Capitalizing job titles is generally not recommended by style
guides, although many companies do so. If you do, be consistent.
If a job title precedes the job holder’s name, then capitalize it.
Chairman Frank Donahue vs. Frank Donahue, chairman of the
committee
3. Capitalize the first, last, and all important words in a title.
(Use italics to indicate a book, play, or movie title; place article
titles within quotation marks.)
Jane K. Cleland is the author of Business Writing for Results.
Have you seen A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
on Broadway?
4. Capitalize the name of all governmental agencies whether using
the complete name or a shortened version of the name.
We can get the licensing requirements from the Department of
Motor Vehicles.