1. KhalieLa

    KhalieLa It's not a lie, it's fiction. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    Messages:
    653
    Likes Received:
    445
    Location:
    United States

    capitalization

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by KhalieLa, Mar 6, 2016.

    I don't capitalize "sheep," but I do capitalize "Columbian," but I don't capitalize "big horn."
    Do you feel like we should give up, embrace the Germans, and start capitalizing all our nouns for no particular reason? I would be so much simpler!
     
  2. Wayjor Frippery

    Wayjor Frippery Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Messages:
    587
    Likes Received:
    733
    Location:
    Tranquility Base
    It would, but where would you stop? If you started trying to simplify the English language, you'd be doing it forever.

    I'm quite happy embracing Germans though.
     
    KhalieLa likes this.
  3. Laura Elisabeth

    Laura Elisabeth New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2016
    Messages:
    14
    Likes Received:
    3
    It would make things a lot easier wouldn't it? I just like the differences, and sometimes annoyances, each language possess. Keep our capitals. :)
     
  4. Komposten

    Komposten Insanitary pile of rotten fruit Contributor

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2012
    Messages:
    3,016
    Likes Received:
    2,193
    Location:
    Sweden
    If we were to change the capitalisation, why do like the Germans? Wouldn't it be easier to not capitalise at all?
     
    KhalieLa likes this.
  5. Oscar Leigh

    Oscar Leigh Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2016
    Messages:
    8,496
    Likes Received:
    5,120
    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    Why is this in creative writing? Isn't this more of a lounge thing? Other than the relevance to words it seems rather non-literary. Just saying.
     
  6. KhalieLa

    KhalieLa It's not a lie, it's fiction. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    Messages:
    653
    Likes Received:
    445
    Location:
    United States
    This idea does have it's merits! That said, I think the case for going all caps, rather than all lowercase, is proper nouns. People will still want their honorific capitalized. There is a thread around here somewhere about whether or not to capitalize the word king, which depends on whether you are referring to a king, or the King. I'm pretty sure the King will always want his title capitalized.

    As for why German, that's because my new boss speaks German and we were discussing the importance of grammar when capitalizing The Tree. He was unsure why we were capitalizing the, but understood why we would want to capitalize tree. He didn't realize The Tree is a proper noun, referring to a specific tree near the parade grounds, that actually has a sign nailed to it which reads, "The Tree." This way when someone says, "Meet me at The Tree," we all know which tree they are referring to. Unless you are new to the area and don't know about The Tree, then you are just confused about why we insist on capitalizing the word the whenever it's followed by the word tree.
     
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2016
    Komposten likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice