GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A project manager is writing an email to a client. Which sentence correctly uses capitalization for titles and proper nouns?
- AThe new software is being developed by our lead Engineer.
- BThe report was sent to the Vice President of Sales.
- CWe will discuss this with Director Miller next week.
- DPlease review the Project Proposal by Friday.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. We will discuss this with Director Miller next week.
Titles are capitalized when they precede a proper name (e.g., Director Miller). When a title follows a name or is used generally, it is not capitalized (e.g., 'the director of the department'). Option C correctly capitalizes 'Director' because it's used as a title preceding a name.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Engineer should not be capitalized as it is a general job title, not a proper noun or a title preceding a name.
- B. Vice President of Sales should only be capitalized if it is an official, specific title used immediately before a person's name or as part of a formal organizational chart, but not in this general descriptive context.
- D. Project Proposal should only be capitalized if it's the specific title of a document or a proper noun, not a general reference.
Capitalization of Titles
Capitalize a person's title when it precedes their name, but generally not when it follows the name or is used as a general description.
- Titles before names are capitalized (e.g., President Lincoln)
- Titles after names are usually lowercase (e.g., Barack Obama, president of the United States)
- General job titles are lowercase (e.g., 'she is a doctor')
- Official, specific department/organizational titles might be capitalized (e.g., 'Department of Justice')
- Words like 'father', 'mother', 'uncle' are capitalized when used as proper nouns (e.g., 'I asked Mom'), but not when preceded by a possessive (e.g., 'my mom').
Memory trick: Capital letters make proper things important.