Capitalizing Directions

Compass directions are capitalized only if referring to a proper place, known by its compass direction. For example, South Bronx, South Central Los Angles, etc. Also, if you were vacationing in "The South" you would capitalize. Same logic applies to the West Wing of the white house.

Saying what direction to travel wouldn't justify capitalization.

4 votes Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

Capitalize directions when you are referring to a region as a title for the region and not the direction:

1. I am going south for winter.

2. The South lost the war.

3. The weather is beautiful in southern France.

4 votes Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

Actually, seasons are not generally capitalized. They would only be capitalized if they were used in a title, e.g., Winter Olympics. Names of months and days of the week are capitalized.

3 votes Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

On the other hand, what about the 4 seasons, don't they have to be cap?, i.e.: Uncle Henry flew south for the Winter.
Last Summer, he couldn't wait until it's Fall, adding his anxiety.

2 votes Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

I believe compass directions are capitalized when abbreviated. For example, north northeast would become NNE, correct?

1 vote Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

Yes, Miranda, your capitalization is ...capital, lol. Northern begins the sentence and southern doesn't.

1 vote Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

Southwest and West

0 vote Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

I know you do not capitalize directions, but I am confused with the surveyor test question below.

Would you capitalize true north in the following sentence?

Sometimes we miscalculate true north when trying to figure declination.

Thanks for your help. Maureen

0 vote Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

Would you capitalize Westward? it's on my English homework, and I'm kinda confused

0 vote Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse

@Manda - overall, no. See http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/englis...

Giv us the sentence and then we can tell.

0 vote Vote!  •  URL to this comment  •  Report Abuse