Learn English - writing

The use of capital letters

Capital letters are used:

1. at the beginning of a sentence

• My name is Manju.
• Honesty is the best policy.

2. at the beginning of each line of poetry

3. at the beginning of the names of days, months and public holidays. But note that the names of seasons usually begin with small letters.

Examples are: Monday, May, Easter, spring, autumn

• We met on a wet Sunday.
• I was born in January.
• If winter comes, can spring be far behind? (NOT Winter).

4. at the beginning of the names of people and places including stars, planets, mountains and rivers

Examples are: Mars, Jupiter, South Africa, The Niles, John etc.

5. for people's titles

Examples are: Dr Johnson, Mr John and Professor Louis

• Meet Mr John.
• Can I talk to Dr Smith?
• I have an interview with Professor Alice.

6. at the beginning of the nouns and adjectives referring to nationalities, languages, ethnic groups and religions

• He is Jewish.
• She is German.
• I speak Hindi.

7. at the beginning of the first word (and often other nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives) in the titles of books, plays, pictures and magazines

• Call of the Wild or Call of the wild
• Much ado about nothing or Much Ado About Nothing
• New Scientist

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