Are you sure of what to capitalize when writing? Learning about what to capitalize can boast your writing confidence a great deal. Here are a few points to note:
Names of people
When writing, capitalize the name of people and the initials that stand for their names. Examples:
- Kweku Mensah
- Mr. Ato Eshun
- F. K. Assabil.
Words used as names
Capitalize words that are used as names. Some examples are Mother, Father, Grandma, Grandpa, etc.
Usually, Grandpa takes me to school every day. (In this case, Grandpa is used as a first name)
Also, my grandpa loves me very much. (In this case, grandpas is used as a first name)
Titles used with names
Capitalize titles used with names of people. Examples:
- President Atta Milles
- Mayor Kwesi Ackon
- Queen Asantewa
Abbreviations
Capitalize abbreviations of titles and names of people, institutions, and organizations.
- UN (United Nations)
- AU (African Union)
- FIFA (Fédération internationale de football association)
- Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Proper nouns
Capitalize all proper nouns and proper adjectives. A proper noun is the name of a specific person, animal, or place. When a proper noun is used to describe something, it is called a proper adjective. Examples
- Proper nouns: Kwame, Lagos
- Proper adjectives: Guinea worm, Ghanaian dishes, African football
Organizations
Capitalize names of organizations, businesses, teams, and political groups. Examples:
- Black Stars of Ghana
- Economic Community of West African States
- All Progressive Party
- East African Community
Geographical Names
Capitalize all of the following.
- Planets: Venus, Earth, Jupita
- Countries: Kenya, Burundi, Togo
- States: Ekiti State, Lagos State, Kano State
- Continents: Africa, Asia, America
- Sections of a country: the North, the South, the East
- Provinces: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo
- Cities: Kigali, Juba, Dakar
- Bodies of water: Gulf of Guinea, Niger River, Atlantic Ocean
- Mountains: Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Mount Speke
- Public Areas: Ebori Gardens, Diani Beach, Kakum National Park
- Roads and highways: Tema Highway, 2nd Avenue
- Buildings: Mankessim Whitehouse, Toms Villa
