Blog about English
Rules for using capital letters in English.
Practice: build the sentences →Capital letters are used at the beginning of sentences and for particular names, titles, places, languages, days, months, and other proper nouns.
English capitalization follows grammatical, lexical, and stylistic conventions rather than a single rule.
The meeting starts at nine.
Встреча начинается в девять.
The first word of the sentence is capitalized: "The".
She lives in London.
Она живёт в Лондоне.
The proper noun "London" is capitalized.
We meet on Monday.
Мы встречаемся в понедельник.
The day of the week "Monday" is capitalized.
He speaks French.
Он говорит по-французски.
The language "French" is capitalized.
I am ready.
Я готов.
The pronoun "I" is always capitalized.
The first word of a sentence normally begins with a capital letter.
For example, The meeting starts at nine.
The meeting starts at nine.
Встреча начинается в девять.
The first word "The" is capitalized.
She is a teacher.
Она учительница.
The first word "She" is capitalized.
We live in a small town.
Мы живём в маленьком городке.
The first word "We" is capitalized.
They are coming tomorrow.
Они приезжают завтра.
The first word "They" is capitalized.
He works in an office.
Он работает в офисе.
The first word "He" is capitalized.
A new sentence normally begins with a capital letter after a full stop.
For example, The work is finished. We can leave now.
The work is finished. We can leave now.
Работа закончена. Мы можем уйти сейчас.
The word "We" after the full stop is capitalized.
She arrived late. The meeting had already started.
Она пришла поздно. Встреча уже началась.
The word "The" after the full stop is capitalized.
I like coffee. He prefers tea.
Я люблю кофе. Он предпочитает чай.
The word "He" after the full stop is capitalized.
It is raining. We need an umbrella.
Идёт дождь. Нам нужен зонт.
The word "We" after the full stop is capitalized.
The train left. They missed it.
Поезд ушёл. Они опоздали на него.
The word "They" after the full stop is capitalized.
The first word of a new sentence following a question mark normally begins with a capital letter.
For example, Where are you going? Are you coming with us?
Where are you going? Are you coming with us?
Куда ты идёшь? Ты идёшь с нами?
The word "Are" after the question mark is capitalized.
What time is it? The meeting starts soon.
Который час? Встреча скоро начнётся.
The word "The" after the question mark is capitalized.
Did you call him? He didn't answer.
Ты ему позвонил? Он не ответил.
The word "He" after the question mark is capitalized.
Is she ready? We need to leave.
Она готова? Нам нужно уходить.
The word "We" after the question mark is capitalized.
Can you help me? I can't do this alone.
Ты можешь мне помочь? Я не могу сделать это один.
The word "I" after the question mark is capitalized.
The first word of a new sentence following an exclamation mark normally begins with a capital letter.
For example, Stop! The door is closing.
Stop! The door is closing.
Стой! Дверь закрывается.
The word "The" after the exclamation mark is capitalized.
Look out! There is a car coming.
Берегись! Едет машина.
The word "There" after the exclamation mark is capitalized.
Congratulations! You passed the exam.
Поздравляю! Ты сдал экзамен.
The word "You" after the exclamation mark is capitalized.
Hurry up! We are going to be late.
Поторопись! Мы опоздаем.
The word "We" after the exclamation mark is capitalized.
Great job! She is very proud of you.
Отличная работа! Она очень гордится тобой.
The word "She" after the exclamation mark is capitalized.
The first-person singular pronoun I is always capitalized.
For example, I am ready and John and I went home.
I am ready.
Я готов.
The pronoun "I" is always capitalized.
John and I went home.
Джон и я пошли домой.
"I" is capitalized even when joined with another subject.
She asked if I could help.
Она спросила, могу ли я помочь.
"I" is capitalized in the middle of a sentence.
I think it is a good idea.
Я думаю, это хорошая идея.
"I" is always capitalized.
My brother and I play football.
Мой брат и я играем в футбол.
"I" is capitalized.
Names of individual people, places, organizations, and other unique entities normally begin with capital letters.
For example, Maria, London, Microsoft, and the Pacific Ocean.
Maria lives in London.
Мария живёт в Лондоне.
The proper names "Maria" and "London" are capitalized.
Microsoft is a large company.
Microsoft — крупная компания.
The organization name "Microsoft" is capitalized.
The Pacific Ocean is very deep.
Тихий океан очень глубокий.
The proper name "Pacific Ocean" is capitalized.
She works at the University of Oxford.
Она работает в Оксфордском университете.
The institution name is capitalized.
We visited the Eiffel Tower.
Мы посетили Эйфелеву башню.
The landmark name is capitalized.
Personal names and initials are capitalized.
For example, John Smith and J. K. Rowling.
John Smith is my friend.
Джон Смит — мой друг.
The personal name "John Smith" is capitalized.
J. K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter.
Дж. К. Роулинг написала Гарри Поттера.
Initials are capitalized: "J. K."
Her name is Mary Jane Watson.
Её зовут Мэри Джейн Уотсон.
Each part of the personal name is capitalized.
The author is J. R. R. Tolkien.
Автор — Дж. Р. Р. Толкин.
Initials and surname are capitalized.
My initials are A. B.
Мои инициалы — A. B.
Initials are capitalized.
Names of days of the week are capitalized.
For example, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
We meet on Monday.
Мы встречаемся в понедельник.
The day "Monday" is capitalized.
Tuesday is my busiest day.
Вторник — мой самый занятый день.
The day "Tuesday" is capitalized.
The party is on Friday.
Вечеринка в пятницу.
The day "Friday" is capitalized.
She was born on a Sunday.
Она родилась в воскресенье.
The day "Sunday" is capitalized.
Thursday is the fourth day of the week.
Четверг — четвёртый день недели.
The day "Thursday" is capitalized.
Names of months are capitalized.
For example, January, March, and December.
January is the first month.
Январь — первый месяц.
The month "January" is capitalized.
Her birthday is in March.
Её день рождения в марте.
The month "March" is capitalized.
We go on holiday in July.
Мы едем в отпуск в июле.
The month "July" is capitalized.
December is a busy month.
Декабрь — занятый месяц.
The month "December" is capitalized.
The school year starts in September.
Учебный год начинается в сентябре.
The month "September" is capitalized.
Names of seasons are normally lowercase when used as ordinary season names, although capitalization can occur in titles or specific stylistic contexts.
For example, in spring, during summer, and last winter.
We go skiing in winter.
Мы катаемся на лыжах зимой.
The season "winter" is lowercase.
The flowers bloom in spring.
Цветы цветут весной.
The season "spring" is lowercase.
It is very hot in summer.
Летом очень жарко.
The season "summer" is lowercase.
The leaves fall in autumn.
Осенью падают листья.
The season "autumn" is lowercase.
We visited them last winter.
Мы навещали их прошлой зимой.
The season "winter" is lowercase.
Names of languages are capitalized.
For example, English, French, Spanish, and Japanese.
She speaks English fluently.
Она свободно говорит по-английски.
The language "English" is capitalized.
He is learning French.
Он учит французский.
The language "French" is capitalized.
Spanish is spoken in many countries.
На испанском говорят во многих странах.
The language "Spanish" is capitalized.
She teaches Japanese.
Она преподаёт японский.
The language "Japanese" is capitalized.
Do you understand German?
Ты понимаешь по-немецки?
The language "German" is capitalized.
Nationalities and adjectives derived from country or national names are capitalized in English.
For example, American, British, Ukrainian, and Japanese.
She is American.
Она американка.
The nationality "American" is capitalized.
He is British.
Он британец.
The nationality "British" is capitalized.
They are Ukrainian.
Они украинцы.
The nationality "Ukrainian" is capitalized.
She speaks Japanese.
Она говорит по-японски.
The adjective "Japanese" is capitalized.
We met some Italian tourists.
Мы встретили нескольких итальянских туристов.
The adjective "Italian" is capitalized.
Names of countries and sovereign states are capitalized.
For example, Canada, Ukraine, Germany, and Brazil.
Canada is a large country.
Канада — большая страна.
The country name "Canada" is capitalized.
Ukraine is in Eastern Europe.
Украина находится в Восточной Европе.
The country name "Ukraine" is capitalized.
Germany has a strong economy.
У Германии сильная экономика.
The country name "Germany" is capitalized.
Brazil is famous for football.
Бразилия славится футболом.
The country name "Brazil" is capitalized.
They live in France.
Они живут во Франции.
The country name "France" is capitalized.
Names of cities and named geographic features are capitalized.
For example, Kyiv, London, the Alps, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine.
Киев — столица Украины.
The city name "Kyiv" is capitalized.
London is a busy city.
Лондон — оживлённый город.
The city name "London" is capitalized.
The Alps are in Europe.
Альпы находятся в Европе.
The geographic name "Alps" is capitalized.
The Mediterranean Sea is warm.
Средиземное море тёплое.
The geographic name "Mediterranean Sea" is capitalized.
We visited the Rocky Mountains.
Мы посетили Скалистые горы.
The geographic name "Rocky Mountains" is capitalized.
Names of specific streets, roads, buildings, and named locations are capitalized according to the proper name.
For example, Oxford Street, Fifth Avenue, and Buckingham Palace.
She works on Oxford Street.
Она работает на Оксфорд-стрит.
The street name "Oxford Street" is capitalized.
He lives on Fifth Avenue.
Он живёт на Пятой авеню.
The street name "Fifth Avenue" is capitalized.
We toured Buckingham Palace.
Мы осмотрели Букингемский дворец.
The building name "Buckingham Palace" is capitalized.
The Empire State Building is tall.
Эмпайр-стейт-билдинг высокий.
The building name is capitalized.
They met at Trafalgar Square.
Они встретились на Трафальгарской площади.
The location name is capitalized.
Names of specific organizations and institutions are capitalized.
For example, the United Nations, the University of Oxford, and the World Health Organization.
The United Nations was founded in 1945.
Организация Объединённых Наций была основана в 1945 году.
The organization name "United Nations" is capitalized.
She studies at the University of Oxford.
Она учится в Оксфордском университете.
The institution name is capitalized.
The World Health Organization issued a report.
Всемирная организация здравоохранения выпустила отчёт.
The organization name is capitalized.
He works for the Red Cross.
Он работает в Красном Кресте.
The organization name is capitalized.
She is a member of Amnesty International.
Она член Amnesty International.
The organization name is capitalized.
Official names of companies, brands, and products use the capitalization established by the organization or standard usage.
For example, Apple, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola.
Apple released a new phone.
Apple выпустила новый телефон.
The company name "Apple" is capitalized.
Microsoft is a software company.
Microsoft — софтверная компания.
The company name "Microsoft" is capitalized.
I drink Coca-Cola.
Я пью Coca-Cola.
The brand name "Coca-Cola" is capitalized.
She works at Google.
Она работает в Google.
The company name "Google" is capitalized.
He drives a Toyota.
Он водит Toyota.
The brand name "Toyota" is capitalized.
Names of religions and some specific religious designations are capitalized according to standard usage.
For example, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.
Christianity is one of the major religions.
Христианство — одна из основных религий.
The religion name "Christianity" is capitalized.
Islam has many followers.
У ислама много последователей.
The religion name "Islam" is capitalized.
Judaism is an ancient religion.
Иудаизм — древняя религия.
The religion name "Judaism" is capitalized.
Buddhism originated in India.
Буддизм возник в Индии.
The religion name "Buddhism" is capitalized.
She is a practicing Hindu.
Она практикующая индуистка.
The religious designation "Hindu" is capitalized.
Names of holidays and named festivals are capitalized.
For example, Christmas, Easter, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving.
We celebrate Christmas in December.
Мы празднуем Рождество в декабре.
The holiday "Christmas" is capitalized.
Easter is in spring.
Пасха весной.
The holiday "Easter" is capitalized.
New Year's Day is on 1 January.
Новый год — 1 января.
The holiday "New Year's Day" is capitalized.
Thanksgiving is celebrated in the US.
День благодарения празднуется в США.
The holiday "Thanksgiving" is capitalized.
We watched the fireworks on Independence Day.
Мы смотрели фейерверк в День независимости.
The holiday "Independence Day" is capitalized.
Names of specific historical events, periods, and eras may be capitalized when treated as proper names.
For example, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and World War II.
The Renaissance began in Italy.
Ренессанс начался в Италии.
The historical period "Renaissance" is capitalized.
The Industrial Revolution changed society.
Промышленная революция изменила общество.
The historical event "Industrial Revolution" is capitalized.
World War II ended in 1945.
Вторая мировая война закончилась в 1945 году.
The historical event "World War II" is capitalized.
The Middle Ages lasted for centuries.
Средние века длились столетиями.
The historical period "Middle Ages" is capitalized.
The Great Depression affected many countries.
Великая депрессия затронула многие страны.
The historical event "Great Depression" is capitalized.
Names of specific wars are capitalized when functioning as proper names.
For example, World War I, the Second World War, and the Cold War.
World War I began in 1914.
Первая мировая война началась в 1914 году.
The war name "World War I" is capitalized.
The Second World War ended in 1945.
Вторая мировая война закончилась в 1945 году.
The war name "Second World War" is capitalized.
The Cold War lasted for decades.
Холодная война длилась десятилетиями.
The war name "Cold War" is capitalized.
The American Civil War was fought in the 1860s.
Гражданская война в США велась в 1860-х.
The war name "American Civil War" is capitalized.
The Hundred Years' War was a long conflict.
Столетняя война была долгим конфликтом.
The war name "Hundred Years' War" is capitalized.
A formal title is normally capitalized when it is used directly before a person's name as part of the name.
For example, President Lincoln, Professor Smith, and Queen Elizabeth II.
President Lincoln gave a famous speech.
Президент Линкольн произнёс знаменитую речь.
The title "President" before the name is capitalized.
Professor Smith teaches history.
Профессор Смит преподаёт историю.
The title "Professor" before the name is capitalized.
Queen Elizabeth II reigned for many years.
Королева Елизавета II правила много лет.
The title "Queen" before the name is capitalized.
Dr. Jones is our doctor.
Доктор Джонс — наш врач.
The title "Dr." before the name is capitalized.
Senator Brown voted for the bill.
Сенатор Браун проголосовал за законопроект.
The title "Senator" before the name is capitalized.
A title used as a common noun rather than directly as part of a person's name is normally lowercase.
For example, the president gave a speech and the professor arrived late.
The president gave a speech.
Президент произнёс речь.
The title "president" used generally is lowercase.
The professor arrived late.
Профессор пришёл поздно.
The title "professor" used generally is lowercase.
The queen waved to the crowd.
Королева помахала толпе.
The title "queen" used generally is lowercase.
She is a doctor.
Она врач.
The job title "doctor" used generally is lowercase.
The senator voted for the bill.
Сенатор проголосовал за законопроект.
The title "senator" used generally is lowercase.
Family terms such as mother, father, aunt, and grandfather are normally lowercase unless used as names or direct forms of address.
For example, my mother called versus Thanks, Mom.
My mother called me yesterday.
Моя мама позвонила мне вчера.
The family term "mother" is lowercase.
Thanks, Mom.
Спасибо, мам.
The family term "Mom" in direct address is capitalized.
His father is a teacher.
Его отец — учитель.
The family term "father" is lowercase.
Can you help me, Aunt Mary?
Ты можешь помочь мне, тётя Мэри?
The family term "Aunt" in direct address is capitalized.
My grandfather lives in the countryside.
Мой дедушка живёт в деревне.
The family term "grandfather" is lowercase.
A name or title used as direct address is capitalized.
For example, Thank you, John. and Could you help me, Doctor?
Thank you, John.
Спасибо, Джон.
The name "John" in direct address is capitalized.
Could you help me, Doctor?
Не могли бы вы помочь мне, доктор?
The title "Doctor" in direct address is capitalized.
Good morning, Mrs. Smith.
Доброе утро, миссис Смит.
The title and name in direct address are capitalized.
Excuse me, Professor.
Простите, профессор.
The title "Professor" in direct address is capitalized.
Hello, Mary.
Привет, Мэри.
The name "Mary" in direct address is capitalized.
Job titles are usually lowercase when used descriptively but may be capitalized in formal titles or organizational contexts.
For example, she is the marketing director versus Marketing Director Jane Smith in a formal heading.
She is the marketing director.
Она маркетинговый директор.
The job title "marketing director" used descriptively is lowercase.
Marketing Director Jane Smith spoke at the event.
Маркетинговый директор Джейн Смит выступила на мероприятии.
The job title "Marketing Director" in a formal heading is capitalized.
He was appointed chief executive officer.
Он был назначен главным исполнительным директором.
The job title "chief executive officer" is lowercase when used descriptively.
Chief Executive Officer John Doe signed the document.
Главный исполнительный директор Джон Доу подписал документ.
The job title in a formal title is capitalized.
The company hired a new sales manager.
Компания наняла нового менеджера по продажам.
The job title "sales manager" is lowercase.
Names of languages are capitalized, while most ordinary academic subjects are lowercase unless they are proper names.
For example, English, French, mathematics, chemistry, and history.
She studies English and French.
Она изучает английский и французский.
Language names "English" and "French" are capitalized.
He is good at mathematics.
Он хорош в математике.
The academic subject "mathematics" is lowercase.
She teaches chemistry.
Она преподаёт химию.
The academic subject "chemistry" is lowercase.
History is my favourite subject.
История — мой любимый предмет.
The academic subject "history" is lowercase.
He speaks fluent German.
Он свободно говорит по-немецки.
The language "German" is capitalized.
Names of academic degrees can be lowercase in general references and capitalized in official degree names, titles, or abbreviations.
For example, a bachelor's degree, a Bachelor of Arts, and a BA.
She has a bachelor's degree.
У неё степень бакалавра.
The general reference "bachelor's degree" is lowercase.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts.
Он получил степень бакалавра искусств.
The official degree name "Bachelor of Arts" is capitalized.
She holds a BA in History.
У неё степень бакалавра искусств по истории.
The abbreviation "BA" is capitalized.
He is studying for a master's degree.
Он учится на степень магистра.
The general reference "master's degree" is lowercase.
She earned a Master of Science.
Она получила степень магистра наук.
The official degree name is capitalized.
Ordinary compass directions are generally lowercase, while named regions can be capitalized when functioning as proper names.
For example, travel north versus Northern Europe and the South.
We travelled north for two hours.
Мы ехали на север два часа.
The compass direction "north" is lowercase.
She lives in Northern Europe.
Она живёт в Северной Европе.
The named region "Northern Europe" is capitalized.
The South has a warmer climate.
На юге климат теплее.
The named region "the South" is capitalized.
Turn west at the traffic lights.
Поверните на запад на светофоре.
The compass direction "west" is lowercase.
They explored the Middle East.
Они исследовали Ближний Восток.
The named region "Middle East" is capitalized.
A complete quoted sentence normally begins with a capital letter, while a fragment incorporated into a sentence does not necessarily require one.
For example, She said, "We are ready." versus the word "ready" in a sentence.
She said, "We are ready."
Она сказала: «Мы готовы».
The quoted sentence begins with a capital letter.
He asked, "Where are you going?"
Он спросил: «Куда ты идёшь?»
The quoted question begins with a capital letter.
The word "ready" is not capitalized here.
Слово «ready» здесь не пишется с заглавной буквы.
A fragment incorporated into a sentence does not require a capital.
She whispered, "I love you."
Она прошептала: «Я люблю тебя».
The quoted sentence begins with a capital letter.
He described the plan as "a good idea".
Он описал план как «хорошую идею».
The quoted fragment is not capitalized.
Capitalization of headings and titles varies by style, including sentence case and title case.
For example, Writing effective emails is sentence case, while Writing Effective Emails is title case.
Writing effective emails
Написание эффективных писем
Sentence case: only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
Writing Effective Emails
Написание эффективных писем
Title case: major words are capitalized.
The history of English grammar
История английской грамматики
Sentence case in a heading.
The History of English Grammar
История английской грамматики
Title case with major words capitalized.
How to use punctuation correctly
Как правильно использовать пунктуацию
Sentence case in a title.
In sentence case, the first word and proper nouns are capitalized while most other words remain lowercase.
For example, How to use punctuation correctly.
How to use punctuation correctly
Как правильно использовать пунктуацию
Sentence case: only the first word is capitalized.
The meeting starts at nine.
Встреча начинается в девять.
Sentence case in a normal sentence.
She lives in London.
Она живёт в Лондоне.
Sentence case with a proper noun capitalized.
We meet on Monday.
Мы встречаемся в понедельник.
Sentence case with a day capitalized.
He speaks French.
Он говорит по-французски.
Sentence case with a language capitalized.
Title case capitalizes major words according to the chosen style guide, while short function words may remain lowercase.
For example, The History of English Grammar.
The History of English Grammar
История английской грамматики
Title case: major words are capitalized.
Writing Effective Emails
Написание эффективных писем
Title case with major words capitalized.
A Guide to Better Writing
Руководство по лучшему письму
Title case with major words capitalized.
The Quick Brown Fox
Быстрая коричневая лиса
Title case with all major words capitalized.
How to Succeed in Business
Как преуспеть в бизнесе
Title case with major words capitalized.
Use capitals for sentence beginnings and proper names, but avoid capitalizing ordinary nouns merely for emphasis.
Common mistakes include writing english instead of English, capitalizing seasons without a proper-name reason, capitalizing ordinary job titles, and confusing title case with sentence case.
She speaks English.
Она говорит по-английски.
Correct: "English" is capitalized as a language.
She speaks english.
Она говорит по-английски.
Incorrect: "english" should be capitalized.
We go skiing in winter.
Мы катаемся на лыжах зимой.
Correct: the season "winter" is lowercase.
The president gave a speech.
Президент произнёс речь.
Correct: the title "president" is lowercase when used generally.
The President gave a speech.
Президент произнёс речь.
Incorrect: the title "President" should be lowercase when used generally.