Rules For Capitalization Questions Long
The names of specific historical figures or famous individuals should be capitalized in the following situations:
1. Proper nouns: Capitalize the names of specific historical figures or famous individuals when they are used as proper nouns. This means that their names are used to refer to a specific person or entity. For example, "Abraham Lincoln," "Nelson Mandela," or "Queen Elizabeth II" should be capitalized because they refer to specific individuals.
2. Titles: Capitalize the names of specific historical figures or famous individuals when they are used with their titles. This includes titles such as "President," "King," "Queen," "Emperor," "Prime Minister," or any other formal title. For example, "President Barack Obama," "King Henry VIII," or "Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte" should be capitalized because the titles are part of their names.
3. Direct quotations: Capitalize the names of specific historical figures or famous individuals when they are mentioned in direct quotations. This is done to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the original quote. For example, if someone said, "I have a dream," by Martin Luther King Jr., the name "Martin Luther King Jr." should be capitalized because it is part of the direct quotation.
4. Titles of works: Capitalize the names of specific historical figures or famous individuals when they are part of the title of a work. This includes books, movies, songs, or any other creative work that uses their names. For example, "The Diary of Anne Frank," "Gandhi: The Movie," or "Imagine" by John Lennon should be capitalized because the names are part of the titles.
It is important to note that not all references to historical figures or famous individuals require capitalization. For example, if you are referring to a historical figure or famous individual in a general sense, without using their specific name or title, capitalization may not be necessary. For instance, "the president of the United States" or "a famous scientist" would not require capitalization.
In summary, the names of specific historical figures or famous individuals should be capitalized when they are used as proper nouns, with titles, in direct quotations, or as part of the titles of works.