Jane Straus - When to Capitalize People's Titles
When to Capitalize People's Titles
Jane Straus is the author of The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation and Enough is Enough! and developer of GrammarBook.com
When should you capitalize someone's title? I get this question quite often so
here are some guidelines:
Rule: Capitalize a person's title when it follows the name on the address
or signature line.
Example: Sincerely,
Margaret Haines, Chairperson
Example: Margaret Haines, Chairperson
1234 South Wallace St.
Portland OR 97232
Rule: Capitalize the titles of high-ranking government officials when used
with or before their names. Do not capitalize the civil title if it is used
instead of the name.
Examples: The president will address Congress.
All senators are expected to attend.
The governors, lieutenant governors, and attorneys general called for a special
task force.
Governor Connelly, Lieutenant Governor Martinez, and Senators James and
Hennessy will attend the meeting.
Rule: Capitalize a title when used as a direct address even when the
person is not named.
Examples: Will you be holding a press conference, Madame President?
Please give us your opinion of this latest development, Senator.
We need your response quickly, Mr. President.
We need your response quickly, President Obama.
