Capitalization Rules 6 SP1

✨ Capitalization Rules: Bulleted and Numbered Lists

When we write information in a list (with bullets • or numbers 1, 2, 3…), we need to decide whether to capitalize the first word of each item. The rule depends on whether the list items are full sentences or just short phrases.

🟢 Rule 1: Full Sentence Items → Capitalize the First Word

If each item in the list is a complete sentence, then the first word must be capitalized.

Examples:

Numbered list:

1. Read the passage carefully.
2. Answer all the questions.
3. Check your work before handing it in.

Bulleted list:

• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Bring your homework to class.
• Respect your classmates.

👉 Each item is a full sentence, so the first word is capitalized.

🟡 Rule 2: Phrase Fragments → Lowercase in Informal Contexts

If the list items are not full sentences (just short phrases or fragments), then you can keep the first word lowercase in informal writing. But in formal writing (like exams, school projects, or published work), it’s better to capitalize the first word.

Examples:

Informal style (lowercase acceptable):

• apples, bananas, and oranges
• pencils, erasers, and rulers
• running, jumping, swimming

Formal style (capitalize for clarity):

• Apples, bananas, and oranges
• Pencils, erasers, and rulers
• Running, jumping, swimming

👉 Both styles are correct, but formal settings prefer capitalization.

🧩 Mixed Examples

Sometimes lists combine sentences and fragments. In that case, follow the rule for each type:

• Bring three things:
  1. Water bottle (fragment → lowercase or capitalized depending on style)
  2. Snacks (fragment)
  3. Read the instructions carefully. (full sentence → capitalized)

🔄 American vs. British English Differences

The rules for capitalization in lists are the same in American and British English. The difference is mostly in punctuation style:

Feature	American English	British English
Capitalization in lists	Same rules: capitalize full sentences, lowercase fragments in informal writing	Same rules
Punctuation at the end of list items	Often uses periods for full sentences	Sometimes omits periods unless needed for clarity
Informal fragments	Lowercase acceptable	Lowercase acceptable

Example:

• American English (formal):
  1. Read the passage carefully.
  2. Answer all the questions.
• British English (informal):

• read the passage carefully
• answer all the questions

👉 Both styles are correct, but exams and formal writing in both countries prefer capitalization.

🧪 Practice Sentences

Decide whether the first word should be capitalized:

1. bring a pencil
2. Bring a pencil
3. wash your hands before lunch
4. Wash your hands before lunch

Answers:

• #1 is informal (lowercase acceptable).
• #2 is formal (capitalized).
• #3 is incorrect (should be capitalized because it’s a full sentence).
• #4 is correct (capitalized full sentence).

🎯 Summary

• Full sentence items → Capitalize the first word.
• Phrase fragments → lowercase in informal writing, capitalize in formal/exam settings.

American and British English follow the same capitalization rules, with small differences in punctuation style.