One of the biggest problems is quick texting, messaging. Many of us never use capitals when we send a quick text message to our family and friends. We do this so often that it can sneak up in our writing.
First Words
First word of any sentence needs a capital letter. This doesn't mean that you avoid the full stop, just so you don't have to put a capital in. These rules apply everywhere, even in email and instant messaging.
Direct Quotations or Dialogue
A quotation is pretty much a sentence someone else has said and therefore, needs a capital letter. This is exactly the same for a dialog. But remember that if your quotation or dialogue is still continuing then do not capitalise as it is still part of the same sentence. Example:
“Nothing so needs reforming,” Mark Twain once said, “as other people’s habits.”
Major Words in Titles
When capitalising a title, capitalise all the nouns and verbs, but never the "the," "on," "in", "a" and "if" or any other words such as these.
Countries, Languages, Nationalities,Racial and Ethnic Groups
This heading is pretty self explanatory as you will always capitalise them, the only exception is "black" and "white," but some other grammar guilds would be different.
Names and Titles
When using a person's name you will capitalise it, this goes the same for any titles that is in place of their name "Mom." This is only the case when the title if taking the place of a name or acting as a name. Example:
"I spoke to Dad," "I spoke to my dad" You can't replace your dad's name in the second sentence "I stoke to my Tim" it does not make sense.
Dates, Locations
Anything that is found on a map or calendar is capitalised, but do not capitalise direction. Example:
I live in the North. (This shows location)
I hiked west. (This is direction)
For more rules and a small exercise check out this Link.
Just on a little side note for self improvement. I will be doing pushups, situps and squats for the amount of $$$ (ratio;$1:1) I earn on this post and will give a short feedback every day at the end of each post. This will be split in equally between all 3. Any not done will carry onto the next day.
I really agree with you, if we follow the true rule of writing like your post example that can improve our writing skill fast and try to be habit. That is the only way. Hope your posting usuful for us.
Hay @mahilmuhammad
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Thanks for sharing this good info
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It's great that you've written such a simple, straightforward article about this, as it's a huge frustration of mine.
People like to use capitals for anything, but it's not good writing! I'm a professional writer and proof reader and it's such a common issue.
A different, but very interesting post!
Mr. Dragonslayer, you have touched a very sensitive topic. Most people these days do not know when and where to use capitals, most even are not aware of the reasons why we need to use capitals.
A few year back, I used to be a trainer, and I often noticed that my trainees would take notes in the SMS lingo, what would turn into wt, and how would turn into hu. It was a complete third-degree torture for me to see them slay a beautiful language.
I come from a background where using an ampersand instead of ‘and ’ was frowned upon and in most cases, a few marks were deducted if we used it in exams.
I am happy that you take time and write about stuff that nobody thinks it is relevant today.
I am bad for this, i even had to go back and edit this comment to add the capital , do you have any tips for blogging?
I will be starting a series of posts on tips to blog on steemit.
thank you very much
The information provided is very useful, I am sure that there is a good post
Great example. Especially 'I lived in the North, I hiked west'. I was making this mistakes often. Thanks for the post!
Glad you found it useful, I also did similar mistakes
Pretty damn helpful for someone who is working with many mail contacts :D
Thank you!
Lol.. That was a funnt ending.. Nice tips for writing you have here. Thanks for sharing.... especially "Major Words in Titles".... It mostly gets me confused most times...
Yes, same here. The main problem is no one sticks to the rules or change them.
Thanks for these advices! For a non native these info are like gold!
Nice guide for newbie like me i think i need to improve my direct qoutations and major word titles . thumbs up for this i hope you can do your challenge haahaha
Just by your comment I can see a few things that you need to capitalise.
thanks... I needed this as a gentle reminder for my titles:
thanks for some tip @jero1
I'll be tuned in for this one..I need help! How do u make bold text on your phone for my Steemit posts?
Add a "*" before and after
Actually a nice post, expecting more from you..
Very helpful, actually got some tips out of this to implement in my next post!
The main way I improved my writing was to take everything I wrote seriously. Whether it was a text to my Mum or a note on the fridge. I would always strive to write it as well as I could. Pretty soon I found I was paying more attention to other people's written English and saw the mistakes I was making.
I'm uneducated. I was expelled from school because of fighting and only came back for a couple of exams. So there's gaps in my knowledge but you can improve when you put the effort in. It's worth it.
Thank you for sharing, this is a great story of how you are the master of your own future.
Great post @dragonslayer109
Thanks for sharing this post, very helpful
Informative
I'm just sitting here shaking my head thinking "this should not be new information to anyone", but I bet it is unfortunately!
Informative and Captivating. Still confused a little but the small tips helps a lot. and lastly really like the Styling of the post thank you. Please do nott point out my mistakes.., XD
tryinG
Very nice article , it is very helpful, thanks .
What a useful guide, @dragonslayer109. You helped me a lot buddy!
I like that, being a teacher. It doesn't seem like people care about it much. I used to get notes from parents and the spelling and grammar were atrocious.
@dragonslayer109 that is a very good point about fragmented quotations, capitalizing the first letter and nothing else.
Great tips!
Goud grammar is impotent! :)
Practice each mini-skill one by one:
1.Learn how to write good sentences— a sparkling sentence is the basic ingredient of good writing.
Become more conversational by including questions in your writing.
2.Study how to choose flavored words; and learn how to avoid bland phrases that make your writing tasteless and yuck.
3.Compose smooth transitions so readers glide from sentence to sentence, and from paragraph to paragraph.
4.Experiment with your voice by changing punctuation and adding a dynamic rhythm.
5.Create a mesmerizing flow by outlining or reverse-outlining your content.
6.Practice writing soundbites that linger in your reader’s minds.
7.Cook up fresh metaphors to make abstract concepts concrete and entertaining.
8.Play with mini-stories to engage your readers.
Thank you @dragonslayer109
Very helpful, especially for these times when the rules are wittingly ignored.
Same problems in my country.
Thanks for the advice my friend
On a side note if i do the same workout for the amount i earn on my post. I'll be fatter than I am.
Helpful Tips
this is a very useful information
Gosh....
I taught i understand English writing until i came across this post
Thanks for the share. I am sure it will help many with their posts and blogs! :)
Very nice, Will be looking forward to your posts.
Up-voted :-)
RightWithin
Good advice here!
This is great. Have just been racking my brains with the Mum and Dad thing. Must be psychic!
The Canadian Press offers a print and online version of their Caps and Spelling style book. As a writer and editor, I use this resource regularly to determine when capitalization is required for specific words. I'm not sure if there is a similar tool available in the U.S.?
I would also add that it's important to double check capitalization for formal names, including individuals, businesses, products, etc. For example, iPhone.
...from one writer to another...despite your profile saying "you will never know" I can tell you are from the U.K., Australia, New Zealand or Canada based on how you spelled realization. You used British English. You spelled it with an S. 😁
I bet the comments you receive are checked before posting! I'm following to read your future advice, thanks.
Nice piece.
Hay @dragonslyer109
I always follow your journey whether it is Travel or Other !!
I Wish You Would Also Follow and Upvote My Post @funnystuff
Really I Liked What You Do Every Day
And Always Join - Upvote - Comment and Reesteem
I wish the same
Thank You Sweet
Please do not spam.