Capitalization is writing the first word with capital letter, whereas all other words in the sentence are written in small letters.
American capitalization differs in several aspects from British one. Here are some of the basic rules of American capitalization.
1. The first word of the sentence is always capitalized: Derrick has decided to live the country! Where does he want to go?
2. The first word of the direct quotation, except in cases when the quotation is split. Peter exclaimed: “It is preposterous!!!” “I do not think so,” Elisabeth replied, “in my opinion he could do this.”
3. All the first words of the lines of the poems.
FROM fairest creatures we desire increase,
That thereby beauty's rose might never die,
But as the riper should by time decease,
His tender heir might bear his memory “ ( William Shakespeare).
4. The names of individuals, companies, organizations as well as different historical periods and some events: UN, White House, State Department, Winston Churchill, the Republican Party.
5. The names of all geographical places as well as the names of continent, districts, rivers, oceans and lakes. Great Britain, London, Persian Gulf, Pacific Ocean. You should capitalize the compass points, except in cases when the specific region is mentioned.
6. The names of the boats, ship as well as the names of the aircrafts, such as St Louis, Bernard, Caronis.
7. The name of races, nationalities as well as languages: German, Croatian, French, Hispanic.
8. The names of close relatives, when the name of the member of the family is used as a title: Uncle Sam, Aunt Christine, Aunt Paula.
9. The professional title of the person, when it is written before his/her name. General Clark, President Bush, Professor Suttons.
10. All the first letters in the headings of the movies, plays and novels. An Extremely Goofy Movie, The magic skin. ,
11. “The” in the names of the periodicals, when it comprises the part of the title. The Washington Times.
12. First letters in the greetings and salutations, such as Dear Clare, Yours ever.
13. Epithets in the names of the places and different persons: Old Justin, the Foggy Town.
14. The word “I” should be always capitalized. I reconsidered his decision.
15. Biblical names as well the names of sacred places and works: the Koran, Mathew, Jesus.
16. The names of the days of the week as well as months and holidays (including religious ones): Monday, April, Christmas.
17. The names of some definite Courts: Supreme Court of the United States, Scottish High Court.
18. The name of the treaties, such as North Atlantic Treaty, Copyright law, Corporative law.
19. Trademarks of goods and services.
20. The names of different geological eras, such as Stone Age, Paleozoic age, Bronze Age.
21. The names of all planets and the names of the stars: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars.
22. Many Latin names of biological and zoological classes, except genera.
American capitalization