1. jennygirl267

    jennygirl267 New Member

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    i have a question about where a capital goes.

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by jennygirl267, Aug 6, 2011.

    So I'm writing a mystery novel and everyone says detective lance and thats how he's referred as. Is it detective Lance or Detective Lance?

    Also, I'm a bit confused on where these little guys goes into a story ; when would I use a ;
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Capitalize Detective Lance. It is a proper appoellation. However, in the sentence:
    In this case, detective is a common noun, and shoul not be capitalized.

    I would recommend a good writer's guide such as The Little, Brown Handbook.
     
  3. jennygirl267

    jennygirl267 New Member

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    That's what I was thinking but I wasn't quite sure. Thanks.
     
  4. thewordsmith

    thewordsmith Contributor Contributor

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    If Detective is being used as part of the name, it should be capitalized. If it is not, it should not.

    Consider: "I went to Sanibel Island with Aunt Margaret." OR,
    "My aunt, Margaret Helms, won the lottery."

    Also, when you use a term like "mom" or "dad" as a proper name, it is capitalized, as in, "If we don't stay too long, Mom said I could go." If it is not, as in, "My mom said I could go," it would not be capitalized.

    Basically, whenever it is part of, or in place of, a proper name, it is capitalized.
     

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