Unit 3: Writing and Sentence Skills

Capitalization

Capitalize proper names.

- George lives on Front Street. ( “Street” is capitalized because it is part of the proper name.)

- The Tigers won five of their last ten games.

Capitalize holidays.

- Independence Day is July 4th.

- Vincent cooked an enormous turkey for Thanksgiving.

Capitalize the first letter of a person’s title when it precedes their proper name.

- Principal Young

- Dr. McCullough

- Aunt Rose

However, when the title is used without the proper name, it remains lowercase. See the following example.

- Tim’s aunt is the coach of the baseball team. ( Because the coach is not mentioned by name, coach is not capitalized. )

Capitalize days of the week and months of the year.

- We walk to school Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

- In July, we often go to the shore.

Capitalize the first word of a direct quotation.

- Henry told us, “Sit on the bench outside the office.”

- “Sit on the bench,” Henry told us, “outside the office.”