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capitalization rules guide examples
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)
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Capitalization Conventions: A Deep Dive
Understanding capitalization rules is crucial for maintaining clarity and professionalism in academic and professional writing.
This commentary explores specific guidelines outlined in the provided text, focusing on university departments, brand names, and job titles.
Capitalization of University Departments and Courses
The text distinguishes between specific and general references to university entities: “Names of specific university departments, academic institutions, and academic courses” should be capitalized.
However, general references should not.
For example:
“Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University” vs. “a psychology department, a university.”
This distinction highlights the importance of specificity in academic writing.
When referring to a particular department or course, capitalization provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.
The example of “Psychology 101” vs. “a psychology course” further illustrates this point.
“_Science of Nursing Practice _|” vs. “a nursing course”
Capitalization of Trade and Brand Names
The text addresses the capitalization of “trade and brand names,” emphasizing that these should be capitalized.
It also notes a practical consideration: “(in general, do not include the copyright or trademark symbol after a trade or brand name used in an academic paper; however, such symbols may be included in business and marketing materials).” Examples provided include:
“APA Style | a writing style”
“Zoloft sertraline (generic name for Zoloft)”
“iPhone, Android phone smartphone”
“Wi-Fi | wireless, hotspot”
The rule about excluding copyright/trademark symbols in academic papers, unless in business/marketing materials, reflects a focus on readability and the primary purpose of academic writing – conveying information and analysis.
Generic terms are intentionally lowercase, except when the brand name is being used as a description of the product.
Exceptions to Capitalization Rules
The document then moves into exceptions to capitalization, in this case a common use of proper adjectives and scientific/medical terms.
It stipulates:
“Do not capitalize the following: * proper adjectives that have a common meaning (consult a dictionary for guidance; see Section 5.1), except for personal names within these terms.”
Several terms provided as examples include “eustachian tube” and “cesarean section.” Personal names within those terms should still be capitalized such as “Freudian slip,” “Wilks’s lambda,” and “Euclidean geometry.” This shows a need for precise use of medical and scientific terms.
Capitalization of Job Titles and Positions
The rule governing job titles is straightforward: “Capitalize a job title or position when the title precedes a name (titles are not used in bylines; see Section 1.8).” The examples clearly illustrate this:
“President Lincoln was elected in 1860.”
“Executive Director of Marketing Carolina Espinoza led the meeting.”
“Dr.
Aisha Singh, Dr.
Singh”
“Registered Nurse Paul T.
Lo, Nurse Lo”
This rule serves to formally recognize individuals in their professional capacity.
It’s also noteworthy that titles are omitted in bylines, indicating a different set of conventions for published authorship.
Conclusion
These capitalization rules, while seemingly simple, are essential for maintaining consistency and clarity in writing.
By adhering to these guidelines, writers can ensure their work is perceived as professional and credible.
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Capitalization Rules Guide Examples
Read more: Mastering Abbreviations: A Guide for Clear Communication
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