be capitalized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be capitalized" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of grammar and writing to indicate that a word or phrase should begin with a capital letter. Example: "In the title of the book, all major words should be capitalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A capitalization provision is any provision that requires or allows interest expense to be capitalized.

Cornell University

Probably should be capitalized.

Cornell University

Probably should not be capitalized.

Cornell University

should it be capitalized or not?

The New Yorker

Is should be capitalized in headlines.

Cornell University

Such deferred (accrued) interest may be capitalized.

Yale University

And both Bs in "BlackBerry" should be capitalized.

The New York Times

"You have to be capitalized at your maximum exposure".

The New York Times

Abbreviations are OK depending on context and should be capitalized.

Cornell University

Eligible costs incurred during this stage may be capitalized.

Yale University

Interest expense will also be capitalized on software development projects.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions on capitalization, use "be capitalized" to clearly indicate that a specific word or letter should be written in uppercase. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid inconsistent capitalization within a single document or piece of writing. Ensure that if a term or heading is "be capitalized" in one instance, it follows the same convention throughout. This promotes professionalism and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be capitalized" functions primarily as a directive verb phrase indicating that a word or letter should be written in uppercase. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from academic writing to news articles, consistently guiding capitalization rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be capitalized" serves as a directive to write a specific word or letter in uppercase. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including academic writing, news media, and scientific publications. While the register is primarily neutral, its usage can range from formal to informal depending on the setting. Common errors involve inconsistent capitalization, highlighting the importance of adhering to style guides for consistency. Alternatives include "should use uppercase" or "must start with a capital letter", offering different ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should use uppercase

Focuses on the application of uppercase letters, a more technical term for capitalization.

must be in capitals

Emphasizes the mandatory use of capital letters, typically for entire words or phrases.

needs capitalization

Highlights the requirement for capitalization, often implying a correction or a rule to follow.

requires uppercase letters

Specifies the need for uppercase letters, providing a more explicit instruction.

should be written in uppercase

Directly instructs to write in uppercase letters, focusing on the writing process.

must start with a capital letter

Specifically refers to the initial letter's capitalization, rather than the entire word.

ought to be capitalized

Uses "ought to" to suggest capitalization, conveying a sense of recommendation or soft requirement.

is to be capitalized

Emphasizes the future or planned capitalization of something, often in formal instructions.

is capitalized

Simply states that something is in capital letters, often as a matter of fact.

capitalize

The verb form, directly instructing to perform the act of capitalization.

FAQs

How do I decide when a word should "be capitalized"?

Capitalization generally depends on the context. Proper nouns, the first word of a sentence, and titles usually "need capitalization". Always refer to a style guide for specific rules.

What's the difference between "be capitalized" and "use uppercase"?

"Be capitalized" typically refers to the act of making the first letter of a word uppercase, while "use uppercase" can refer to capitalizing all letters in a word or phrase. The former is more common when discussing grammatical rules.

Are there situations when certain words should not "be capitalized"?

Yes, common nouns, articles (a, an, the), and short prepositions are generally not capitalized unless they begin a sentence or are part of a title. Generic drug names, for example, should not "need capitalization".

What are some style guides that provide rules on when words should "be capitalized"?

Commonly used style guides include the AP Stylebook, the Chicago Manual of Style, and the MLA Handbook. Each provides specific guidelines on when and how to "use uppercase".