block capital

USAGE SUMMARY

"block capital" is a correct term and can be used in written English.
It refers to writing letters of a word in all uppercase letters, rather than lowercase or cursive letters. This is often used in headings, titles, or signs for emphasis and clarity. Example: In the job application, please fill out your name in block capitals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In block capital letters, they read KEEP OUT.

The New York Times - Sports

TONED-DOWN TYPE Bold, block capital letters are out.

The New York Times

"At this point, without announcement, I quickly lundged [sic] at the patient," Weibel wrote in block capital letters.

The Guardian

Garza made protest signs with block capital letters and put them in the window of a local shoe shop.

The Guardian

Or the experience of Mario Cuomo in New York, who could only block capital punishment until he left office, when it was reinstated.

The Economist

Haider Mazban, 24, wearing a gray T-shirt that said Army in block capital letters, said that the militia could come back at any time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

All in block capitals.

The New Yorker

His name is rightly in block capitals at the top.

The Guardian - Film

The block capitals over the home clubhouse still say, Think Blue.

The New York Times - Sports

First, "MARRIAGE IS UNIQUE", the block capitals reinforcing the moral correctness.

The Guardian

The applicant's name was in block capitals on the document.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "block capital" when clarity and emphasis are needed, especially in technical documents or signage. For general writing, "uppercase letter" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "block capital" to describe ornate, handwritten capital letters. "Block capitals" refer specifically to uppercase letters written in a simple, sans-serif style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block capital" functions primarily as a noun, often used to describe a specific style of writing or lettering. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to writing letters of a word in all uppercase letters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block capital" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe uppercase letters written in a simple, sans-serif style. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to enhance clarity and emphasis, primarily in contexts such as news reporting and formal communication. While "block capital" is widely understood, related phrases like ""uppercase letter"" may be more suitable for general writing. Remember to use "block capital" appropriately, especially in technical contexts. The phrase's neutral register and frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, underscores its reliability and usefulness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uppercase letter

Replaces "block capital" with a more common term for a capital letter.

capital letter

Simplifies the phrase by omitting "block", focusing on the essential meaning.

uppercase character

Substitutes "letter" with "character", broadening the scope to include non-letter symbols.

capital letterform

Uses a more technical term, "letterform", suitable for typography contexts.

majuscule letter

Employs the formal term "majuscule" instead of "capital".

all caps

An informal abbreviation that means the same.

large letter

Focuses on the size aspect of a capital letter.

printed capital

Specifies that the capital letter is printed.

initial capital

Highlights the use of a capital letter at the beginning of a word or sentence.

full capital

Emphasizes the completeness of the capitalization.

FAQs

What does "block capital" mean?

"Block capital" refers to an uppercase letter written in a simple, sans-serif style, often used for emphasis or clarity.

When should I use "block capital"?

Use "block capital" for headings, signs, or anywhere you need clear, easily readable uppercase letters. In general writing, consider "uppercase letter".

What is the difference between "block capital" and "cursive capital"?

"Block capital" refers to a simple, sans-serif uppercase letter, while a "cursive capital" is a more ornate, handwritten uppercase letter.

What are some synonyms for "block capital"?

Alternatives include "uppercase letter", "capital letter", or, informally, "all caps" depending on the context.