A. Hamaker, C. Godwin

Capitalization

We all know that a PROPER noun names a specific person, place or thing.

A. Hamaker, C. Godwin

Tip #1

• Capitalize all proper nouns.

Proper Nouns Common NounsSequoia schoolSeptember monthRed Sox teamLassie dogE.B. White authorQueen Elizabeth queenHouse of Representatives office

A. Hamaker, C. Godwin

Tip #2

• Capitalize geographical names: (Can you label each of these?)

North America Thailand San Diego

West Virginia Hudson Bay Fifth Avenue

Mount Kilimanjaro Black Forest The Northwest

Yellowstone National Park

Capitalize the names of…

• organizations: Boy Scouts, Math Club

• teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys

• institutions: Sequoia Middle School, University of California

• government bodies: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Senate

A. Hamaker, C. Godwin

Capitalize the names of…

• special events: Parade of Roses, World Series

• holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving

• calendar items: April Fool’s Day, Sunday

A. Hamaker, C. Godwin

Capitalize the names of…

• historical events: Boston Tea Party, Republican Convention

• Historical periods: the Stone Age, the New Kingdom

• nationalities, races: Cherokee, Caucasian, Mexican

A. Hamaker, C. Godwin