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capitalization rules a guide for academic writing
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)
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The Nuances of Capitalization: A Deep Dive into Academic Writing
Capitalization, seemingly a minor detail, plays a crucial role in academic writing, lending clarity and professionalism to your work.
This analysis delves into the capitalization rules outlined in the provided text, highlighting key distinctions and providing context for their application.
University Departments, Institutions, and Courses
The text draws a clear line between specific and general references to university entities. “Capitalize names of specific university departments, academic institutions, and academic courses.” For example, consider the difference between “Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University” and “a psychology department, a university.” The former refers to a specific, named department, warranting capitalization, while the latter is a general reference.
“Psychology 101” is capitalized as it’s a specific course name.
Contrast this with “a psychology course,” where the generic nature of the description renders capitalization unnecessary.
Similarly, “_Science of Nursing Practice _” earns capitalization as a defined course, unlike “a nursing course.”
Trade and Brand Names
The document instructs to “capitalize trade and brand names (in general, do not include the copyright or trademark symbol after a trade or brand name used in an aca-demic paper; however, such symbols may be included in business and marketing materials).” This means, names like “APA Style” are capitalized.
The rationale likely stems from recognizing the proprietary nature of these names.
The example of “Zoloft” versus “sertraline (generic name for Zoloft)” illustrates this perfectly.
The brand name is capitalized, while the generic equivalent is not.
This distinction is vital in maintaining accuracy and avoiding potential legal issues.
Other examples include “iPhone, Android phone” and “Wi-Fi” versus “smartphone” and “wireless, hotspot”.
Common Pitfalls: When Not to Capitalize
The document then shifts its focus to instances where capitalization is inappropriate, specifically listing several symbols and abbreviations.
The specific listing is not provided in this context, the general principle to avoid capitalization in those contexts is stated clearly.
Furthermore, the guide specifies “do not capitalize proper adjectives that have a common meaning (consult a dictionary for guidance; see Section 5.1), except for personal names within these terms.” Examples such as “eustachian tube” and “cesarean section” are provided.
Even though these terms are derived from proper nouns, their common usage removes the need for capitalization.
The exceptions clarify this rule, showing when personal names are involved it is different: “Freudian slip”, “Wilks’s lambda”, and “Euclidean geometry.” In these cases, the link to the original person is stronger and more directly relevant, preserving the need for capitalization.
Job Titles and Positions
The final section addresses the capitalization of job titles. “Capitalize a job title or position when the title precedes a name (titles are not used in bylines; see Section 1.8).” Thus, “President Lincoln was elected in 1860” is correct, highlighting the formal use of the title preceding the name.
Similarly, “Executive Director of Marketing Carolina Espinoza led the meeting” showcases proper capitalization.
The examples, “Dr.
Aisha Singh, Dr.
Singh” and “Registered Nurse Paul T.
Lo, Nurse Lo” further solidify this rule, emphasizing that the title’s position relative to the name dictates capitalization.
In conclusion, mastering capitalization requires understanding the context and nuances outlined in style guides like this.
By carefully considering whether a term refers to a specific entity, a brand name, or a commonly used adjective, writers can ensure accuracy and professionalism in their academic work.
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Capitalization Rules A Guide For Academic Writing
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