Mechanics: Capitalization
Proper Nouns: Names and Titles of People
- Capitalize the names of people and the initials that stand for their names.
- Capitalize titles or abbreviations of titles when they come before or after the names of people.
- Capitalize the abbreviations for Junior (Jr.) and Senior (Sr.).
Example
- Mrs. Foss took Dr. Ann J. Rice to see Gov. Tim Bell, Jr.
- Capitalize an official title when it comes before a person’s name or when it is used in direct address.
- Do not capitalize the title if it comes after or is a substitute for the person’s name.
Example
- Cheryl, the club’s president, introduced Mayor Watson.
- Capitalize words that show family relationships when used as titles or as substitutes for a person’s name.
- Do not capitalize words that show family relationships when they are preceded by a possessive noun or pronoun.
Example
- Aunt Pat gave my mother a painting of Grandpa.
- Capitalize the pronoun I.
Example
- I will practice my guitar until I can play the song well.
Write each sentence. Correct any errors in capitalization.
1. I volunteered to work at the p. j. Diego Foundation.
2. I had an interview with mr. culver.
3. My uncle knows professor Rita Stewart, the director.
4. She is also friends with mom and aunt Iris.
5. Dad and i spoke to Tim Flynn, sr., the senator from Ohio.