Capitalization means using uppercase (capital) letters at the beginning of certain words.

It signals importance, starts sentences, and follows specific rules in English.

• The first word of every sentence: 'She is happy.'
• Proper nouns (names of people, places, organizations): 'London', 'John', 'Microsoft'
• Days, months, holidays: 'Monday', 'January', 'Christmas'
• Titles when used with names: 'Dr. Smith', 'President Lincoln'
• The pronoun 'I' is always capitalized.

Capitalize the first word of a sentence.

Capitalize proper nouns and adjectives derived from them (American, Shakespearean).

Capitalize days, months, holidays, but not seasons (spring, summer).

Capitalize titles when used with names, but not when used alone (the president, President Obama).

Capitalize the pronoun 'I'.

Punctuation marks are symbols that organize and clarify written language.

They show pauses, separate ideas, and indicate tone or emotion.

• Period (.) ends a sentence.
• Comma (,) separates items or clauses.
• Question mark (?) shows a question.
• Exclamation mark (!) shows strong feeling.
• Colon (:) introduces a list or explanation.
• Semicolon (;) joins related sentences or separates items in a complex list.
• Quotation marks (" "), apostrophe ('), parentheses (()), dash (—), hyphen (-).

Each punctuation mark has specific rules and uses.

Use a period at the end of a statement.

Use a comma to separate items in a list, after introductory words, or to join clauses.

Use a question mark at the end of a direct question.

Use an exclamation mark to show strong emotion or command.

Use a colon before a list or explanation.

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses.

Use quotation marks for direct speech or quotations.

Use an apostrophe for possession or contractions.

Use parentheses to add extra information.

Use a dash to indicate a break or interruption.

Use a hyphen in compound words or to split words at the end of a line.

• I have three pets: a dog, a cat, and a rabbit.
• She said, 'I will come soon.'
• It's raining today.
• My mother-in-law is visiting.
• He is a well-known artist.
• Wait—don't go yet!

Do not capitalize common nouns unless they start a sentence.

Do not use unnecessary punctuation marks.

Avoid comma splices (joining two sentences with a comma).

Use only one punctuation mark at the end of a sentence (except for ellipsis).

Incorrect: the Dog is barking. Correct: The dog is barking.

Incorrect: I like apples, I eat them every day. Correct: I like apples. I eat them every day.

Read English books and articles to see capitalization and punctuation in context.

Practice by writing sentences and checking your use of rules.

Use grammar checkers or ask teachers for feedback.

Try to notice how writers use capital letters and punctuation marks.

Do exercises and quizzes to test your understanding.