Capitalization in English - Practice test 2

1. Which is correct?

He was born in New York city. He was born in New York City.

Correct answer: He was born in New York City. — proper noun — City is part of the official name New York City.

2. Which is correct?

His parents were from the City of Kalamazoo, Michigan. His parents were from the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Correct answer: His parents were from the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. — city here is a common noun (= the city called...), not part of the name.

3. Which is correct?

When we were in Washington, we saw President Obama. When we were in Washington, we saw president Obama.

Correct answer: When we were in Washington, we saw President Obama. — titles used directly before a name are capitalised — President Obama.

4. Which is correct?

The senator was talking to the president. The Senator was talking to the President.

Correct answer: The senator was talking to the president. — titles without a name following are not capitalised — the senator, the president.

5. Which is correct?

He was examined by dr. Jones. He was examined by Dr. Jones.

Correct answer: He was examined by Dr. Jones. — titles used directly before a name are capitalised — Dr. Jones.

6. Which is correct?

Many good American writers come from the South. Many good American writers come from the south.

Correct answer: Many good American writers come from the South. — South = a specific geographic region — capitalised as a proper noun.

7. Which is correct?

Go South for three blocks, then turn right. Go south for three blocks, then turn right.

Correct answer: Go south for three blocks, then turn right. — south here is a direction, not a region — not capitalised.

8. Which is correct?

They have a cottage on lake Michigan. They have a cottage on Lake Michigan.

Correct answer: They have a cottage on Lake Michigan. — Lake Michigan is a proper name — both words capitalised.

9. Which is correct?

My favorite book is "The Fellowship Of The Ring". My favorite book is "The Fellowship of the Ring".

Correct answer: My favorite book is "The Fellowship of the Ring". — in titles, minor words like of and the are not capitalised.

10. Which is correct?

FBI stands for "Federal Bureau of Investigation". FBI stands for "Federal bureau of investigation".

Correct answer: FBI stands for "Federal Bureau of Investigation". — official organisation names are proper nouns — all significant words capitalised.

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PROPER CAPITALIZATION IN ENGLISH 2