Capitalization Quiz

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• She said, “bees are not the only insects that sting.”

• She said, “Bees are not the only insects that sting.”

Answer explanation

Capitalize the first word of a quoted sentence.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• “You must understand,” he pleaded, “That I need more time to pay you.”

• “You must understand,” he pleaded, “that I need more time to pay you.”

Answer explanation

Capitalize only the first word of a quoted sentence.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• Mark Paxton, the vice president of the company, embezzled over one million dollars.

• Mark Paxton, the Vice President of the company, embezzled over one million dollars.

Answer explanation

Do not capitalize when the title is acting as a description following the name.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• The president of the United States wields much power.

• The President of the United States wields much power.

Answer explanation

Do not capitalize a civil title if it is used instead of a name.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• I live in the Northeastern part of the state, where the climate is colder.

• I live in the northeastern part of the state, where the climate is colder.

Answer explanation

Capitalize points of the compass only when they refer to specific geographical regions. In this sentence, "northeastern" is an adjective describing "part," not a region.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• The West, especially California, is famous for its cutting-edge technology.

• The west, especially California, is famous for its cutting-edge technology.

Answer explanation

"The West" refers to a specific geographical region of the United States.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• Have you read All the King's Men?

• Have you read All The King's Men?

Answer explanation

With composition titles, do not capitalize a, an, or the unless it is first or last in the title.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• I enjoy Summer more than any other season.

• I enjoy summer more than any other season.

Answer explanation

Do not capitalize names of seasons.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• Employees of the Company were laid off with little hope of returning to work.

• Employees of the company were laid off with little hope of returning to work.

Answer explanation

Do not capitalize company, deparlment, bureau, office, etc. if used in a general sense.

For each of the following, choose the correct sentence.

• My dear Mr. Simpson,

• My Dear Mr. Simpson,

Answer explanation

In correspondence, capitalize only the first word of a salutation and the first word of a

complimentary clase.