You only use a capital letter after a colon if it is a proper noun or an acronym. Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or a complete sentence. Ap style is designed to address the challenges of the organizations large size. Keep up the great proofreading and for a second set of eyes on all your content, install the grammarly app. Capitalizing after semicolons or colons when it comes to the question of whether to capitalize the first word after a semicolon or colon, the answer is likely it depends. A colon is a bit trickier because you must consider context. You should place a colon between the units of time when indicating an amount of time that has elapsed or a time of day.
The train is scheduled to arrive fortyfive minutes late. Article title and headline capitalization rules when it comes to creating headlines and titles for articles, it can get confusing what words to capitalize and what words should remain lower case. The main points of the blog post are to introduce ap style, teach bloggers and content marketers the basic rules, and help writers apply these rules to their work. Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma also called series comma, oxford comma, and harvard comma. It may seem like capitalization after a semicolon is necessary, especially when two clauses are combined. Apa style uses two types of capitalization for titles of works such as paper titles and headings within works. A semicolon should be followed by a capital letter only if the word is a proper noun or an acronym.
But when it comes to pronouns, the ap says, hes a he, just like any mortal man. Neither this rule nor any of the semicolon rules specifically address capitalization after semicolons. Associated press style provides guidelines for news writing. The chicago manual of style online is the venerable, timetested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. Spiralbound book, updated each spring 2019 ap stylebook. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation. Mla style, following chicago, capitalizes the first letter of the first and last words of a title and the first letter of any other words in the title unless they are articles or prepositions, so in your example, we would capitalize not only flood but also all the other words in the title. Capitalize the first word after a colon only if its followed by a. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and many other questions of language usage. Jul 23, 2019 no, not unless it is a word that would always be capitalized. For consistency, capitalize what follows a colon if it is a complete sentence. Lucky for us, ap and chicago agree on one thing before they part ways. Lowercase the first word unless it is a proper noun or the.
If youre new to news writing or switching from one to another, youll want to keep this ap cheat sheet handy and. A word is not capitalized after a semicolon as well. Semicolons punctuation rules the blue book of grammar. Italicized words are still iffy for wire transmission ap stories, so book titles are enclosed in quote marks. Periods and commas always go within quotation marks.
For reference books, newspapers, and magazine names, they should not be placed in quotations. Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. Apr 20, 2015 associated press style has called for that final semicolon before and since at least the 1970s, though many people seem to think its not required. If the word that comes after a colon or semicolon is a proper name, you definitely would capitalize it. Formal titles in ap style should be capitalized when they immediately precede one or more names. With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it helps writers. And in case youre not clear on when to use a colon instead of, say, a dash or a semicolon. Do not capitalize ordinary words after a semicolon. The chicago manual of style, apa style, ap style, and mla all agree that you use a capital letter for a word after a colon if it is a proper noun. Use a figure and spell out pounds if the actual figure is relevant. The lieutenant governor, gavin newsom, was serving in the. Colons seem hard to use because there are more rules about their use. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
Writing center quick reference associate press style guide. The same would be true for titles in a reference list where only the first word, proper nouns, and the first word after a. This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or. The only words that should be capitalized after a semicolon are proper nouns, which are always capitalized. Capitalize chapter when used with a numeral in reference to a section of a book or legal code. One of the most common uses for a colon is introducing a list or series of items at the end of a sentence. Title case and sentence case capitalization in apa style. Being a journalist, i use associated press stylebook as my guide. The ap stylebook holds that capitalization, in general, should be confined to formal titles that are used directly before an individuals name. For those looking for a quick and dirty answer, a word is not capitalized after a colon. Should you capitalize the first word of a sentence after a. Dashes, semicolons, question marks and exclamation points go within quotation marks when they apply to the quoted matter only.
When to use a colon in ap style writing wordagents. Writers, editors, students and public relations specialists find it. The ap therefore strives to keep its writing style easy to read, concise and free of bias. Film, book, and song titles are capitalized and places in quotations. Abbreviate months with six or more letters if they are used with a specific date.
If two or more sentences follow the colon, capitalize the first word of each sentence following. Emphasiscapitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. While ap style is largely sound, there are a few rules that are quite subjective. The associated press stylebook, first published in 1977, clarified the news organizations rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage. Keep these three things in mind when you use a semicolon. Jun 15, 2017 the semicolons make it clear that there are four speakers. Aug 22, 2019 in ap style, colons are also used to separate the elements in several listings. When a title stands alone or is offset from a name by commas, it should be lowercase. When using a semicolon to join two independent clauses, do not capitalize the first word of the second independent clause unless the word is a proper noun, e. Serial commas and serial semicolons by erika suffern serial commas. Associated press style has called for that final semicolon before and since at least the 1970s, though many people seem to think its not required. Incorrect punctuation can change the meaning of a sentence, the results of which could be farreaching. Lowercase the first word unless it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.
For all titles in ap style, there is no underlining or. The associated press was founded more than 150 years ago and now has thousands of employees working in more than a hundred countries for a readership that numbers in the millions. In legal or biblical citations, you should use a colon to break up chapters, sections or verses. Textbrokers keyword checker does not differentiate between capital and lowercase letters, so unless the client states otherwise, you can capitalize brand. For example, the associated press ap stylebook is a guide specific for news media and journalists while the chicago manual of style cms is used by many book publishers and writers. Sep 29, 2009 regarding the first semicolon rule, the first example for capitalization after semicolons is a terrible example. The associated press style is the goto style for journalism and news writing. A number of other punctuation marks are used less frequently, but still play important roles in english writing. The quest for peace, the is capitalized because it is placed directly after the colon. Now in its sixth edition, the stylebook is the standard style. In sentence case, most major and minor words are lowercase proper nouns are an exception in that they are always capitalized.
The blue book of grammar and punctuation leans towards usage rules in cms along with other authoritative texts and does not attempt to conform to the ap. Colon capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. The puppy left a trail of destroyed items in his wake. However, if the list or series extends over multiple sentences, you should capitalize the first word after the colon. Semicolons and colons are different regardless of having the same root word. If only one sentence follows the colon, it is often not necessary to capitalize the first word of the new sentence. One basic rule of apa style is to capitalize the first word after the colon in a title. If the items in the list are phrases or clauses with punctuation in them, put a semicolon at the end of each item.
Do you capitalize the word coming after a semicolon in a sentence. In ap style, the word that begins the list or series should generally only be capitalized if it is a proper noun. Lose the colon before a subtitle, or secondary title, when the title is displayed on a book cover or movie poster. The ap stylebook does not mince its words when ruling on the importance of punctuation. Apa style has two capitalization methods that are used in different contexts throughout a paper. If a title is long, place it after the persons name, or set it off with commas before the. Associated press style basics journalists resource. Associated press style is to use dashes, not bullets, for lists that follow a colon. Ap style is designed to address the challenges of the organizations large size and readership. When a colon introduces a list of of things, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun. Use quotation marks around the titles of books, songs, television shows.
Is there a standard ap style for bulleted areas of text. Do not capitalize the first word in a list after a semicolon unless the word is a. These rules are the exact same for apa style, the only difference being that ap style does not recommend the use of title case for newspaper headlines, but rather sentence case. Understandably, many editors are confused about when to capitalize the element directly following a colon. Do you capitalize the word after a colon and a semicolon. When a colon introduces a phrase or an incomplete sentence that is meant to add information to the sentence before it, do not capitalize the first word after the colon unless it is a proper noun. Capitalize a complete sentence after a colon if you are using either the chicago manual of style, or mla, and there are multiple explanatory sentences after the colon. Serial commas and serial semicolons the mla style center. You never capitalize after semicolons except with proper nouns or words such as i, which are always capitalized. Sep 10, 2007 capitalization rule with sentences after colons. To use serial semicolons, place them wherever you would normally place serial commas, to separate like terms.
Lets just make it simple for everyone and use that as the authority. A semicolon helps to break up the clauses and avoid confusion for the reader. She smiled, youll want to read this gatehouse newsroom post about how to properly use quotation marks in ap style stories then. Mccarthy presented on the annual budget, the plans to hire a director of operations, a. Home ap style ap style titles the ap stylebook holds that capitalization, in general, should be confined to formal titles that are used directly before an individuals name. For american english, the rules can depend on your adherence to style guides. Apas title case refers to a capitalization style in which most words are capitalized, and sentence case refers to a capitalization style in which most words are lowercased. However, in a complex series of phrases, a comma may be needed. When i finish here, and i will soon, ill be glad to help you. Unlike the use of commas to combine very short sentences, semicolons are used for combining relatively longer sentences. Headline capitalization is a free headline checker that correctly capitalizes titles for all your writing. A second use for the semicolon is to connect two ideas more closely than they would be connected in separate sentences. Because your second example uses a capital h after the semicolon, it suggests that youre talking about god. Abbreviations abbreviate junior or senior after a name, but dont use a comma.
Dont capitalize the word that follows the semicolon unless that word is a proper noun, one that is always capitalized. The same would be true for titles in a reference list where only the first word, proper nouns, and the first word after a colon or an em dash should be capitalized. When to capitalize after a colon grammar underground. Use title case, ap apachicagomla style, uppercase, lowercase, and more. May 07, 2009 the associated press was founded more than 150 years ago and now has thousands of employees working in more than a hundred countries for a readership that numbers in the millions. Unless its a proper noun that youd capitalize anyway or part of a title, there is no reason to capitalize after a semicolon or even a colon. The two punctuation marks serve very different purposes, and should not be used interchangeably. In my work, i come across some pretty bizarre colon usage which id like to eradicate. The strategy i happen to use is pretty brainfree, which is to say that it follows ap style. After the colon, you have a complete sentence, and youre using apa or ap style guide throughout your piece of writing. Capitalize an authors name after a semicolon in a multiauthor citation, e.
Ap style also aims to avoid stereotypes and unintentionally offensive language. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Capitalizing after semicolons or colons rru library. The ap style as its known in the trade is quite different from the new york times style or chicago manual of style. This being said, however, the ap stylebook does go on to list some more specific guidelines that are to be followed when using various titles in your text. It should be lowercase, unless of course the word after the semicolon always needs an initial capital for example, because its a proper name. After each dash, capitalize the first letter and use periods at the end of each section. Capitalization after colons chicago style and mla style. The writer is trying to demonstrate the rule of capitalization after a semicolon the first word of the 2nd sentence following the semicolon begins with an i. If the words that follow the colon form at least one sentence, ap style says to capitalize the first letter. Placing a period at the end of a complete sentence is simple. Do you capitalize the word coming after a semicolon in a. Put and or, if logic dictates, or after the nexttolast item in the list and a period after the last item. Ap style says the kids are all right, never alright.
For those of you unfamiliar with the associated press stylebook, its the journalists bible. When a sentence contains multiple commas in the first clause, it is appropriate to use a semicolon before a conjunction to join two clauses. Heres a more complex example where serial semicolons are needed. The most common use of the semicolon is to join two independent clauses without using a conjunction like and. After each bullet, capitalize the first letter and use periods at the end of each item. I dont know if this will help, but for chapter style, ap says. In chicago style, you capitalize the first letter after the colon only when the colon introduces two or more sentences. All states are spelled out in the body of the text. Often, the decision requires identifying the independent and dependent clauses in the sentence. Ask the editor frequently asked style questions ap stylebook.
Also, please capitalize names like facebook, iphone and ebay accordingly. The associated press ap stylebook, or more commonly known as the bible around pr agencies and newsrooms, has released its latest edition. Title capitalization tool capitalize my title automatic. Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete.
When you use a semicolon in a sentence, is the word after the. What follows are summaries of some of the most common style rules. Also, in your example, a colon might be a better choice than a semicolon. They go outside quotation marks when they apply to the whole sentence. A semicolon combines two independent clauses into one compound sentence, and it is now just one sentence. The 2019 edition made it clear that short subordinating conjunctions like if are indeed not capitalized in ap style. A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc. Whether youre eating shoots and leaving or just a little confused as to if the comma is always placed within quotation marks in a. It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. When too many commas are used in one sentence, the sentence becomes confusing. When to capitalize after a colon grammar underground with.
The two main clauses that the semicolon joins should be closely related in meaning. Ap uses dashes, not bullets, for lists in news stories that follow a colon. The ap stylebook has a few simple rules for using quotation marks in ap style stories. Finding and using page numbers for kindle books main. While this rule does cover how to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been left. Capitalize my title has some great shortcuts to make your life easier. The department prefers bullets, but punctuate them per ap style.
The items are not capitalized except for proper nouns. Its a reference book that defines rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usages. Jun 24, 2016 for those looking for a quick and dirty answer, a word is not capitalized after a colon. Automatically capitalize your titles and email subjects. Apr 19, 2012 its a style choice, so you dont have to, but you can 3, 4, 5. The new york times manual of style and usage is similar. In previous editions of the ap stylebook, it was not clear whether the rule to not capitalize short conjunctions only refers to coordinating conjunctions, or also includes subordinating conjunctions. If what follows the colon is a series of sentences, then you should capitalize the first letter of the first word in them all. Select your title capitalization style above by clicking on a tab. The new 2018 issue, which became available in may, has more than 200 new entries to help guide journalists and other commutators accurately cover the changing social, political and cultural arenas. A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. There you have it 20 common ap style mistakes youll never make again. The chicago manual of style chicago style and mla style from the modern language association recommend lowercasing the first word of a sentence after a colon unless the colon precedes multiple closely related sentences, in which case the first word should be capitalized.
Here are some quick tips for using colons properly. Ap style title case has a few easy rules that will help showcase your title. Words after a semicolon are not usually capitalized. In title case, major words are capitalized, and most minor words are lowercase. That includes newspaper names and magazine references. Semicolons, colons, and parentheses purdue writing lab. It had to be easy for reporters and editors to use and also produce. Capitalization after colons grammar and punctuation. For those unfamiliar, ap style is an english grammar style.
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