1.15 capital letters

Most nouns do not begin with a capital letter, unless they are used to start a sentence. However, the following types of nouns are always spelled with a capital letter:

* proper nouns or names

• ...my sister Elizabeth.
• Play some more Chopin.
• I'll be in the office on Monday.
• I thought he'd gone to London.

For more information on proper nouns, see paragraphs 1.53 to 1.59.

* nouns which identify people of a particular nationality, or languages

• Can you think of some typical problems that confront Germans learning English?

* nouns which are the name of a particular product

• If the figures are all correct, then you win a Volkswagen.
• Put a bit of Sellotape across it.