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EEE.1 Capitalize days, months, and holidays

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What is capitalization?

Capitalization means writing the first letter of certain words with a capital (uppercase) letter. In English, we always capitalize the names of days, months, and holidays.

Examples:
  • Correct: “We will go to the park on Monday.”
  • Incorrect: “We will go to the park on monday.”
  • Correct: “Her birthday is in October.”
  • Correct: “I like Thanksgiving because we eat pumpkin pie.”
Helpful hint

Capitalize the names of days, months, and holidays, but do not capitalize the names of seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) unless they begin a sentence.

Why do writers capitalize days, months, and holidays?

Capitalization shows that these words are proper nouns. Proper nouns name specific people, places, or special things. Using capital letters helps readers recognize them quickly.

Example Sentences:
  • Without capitalization: “we will see fireworks on independence day in july.” (unclear and incorrect)
  • With capitalization: “We will see fireworks on Independence Day in July.” (clear and correct)
Helpful hint

Ask yourself: “Is this a day, month, or holiday?” If yes, then capitalize the first letter.

Common examples

Here are some of the most common days, months, and holidays that must always be capitalized:

Capitalized Words List:
  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
  • Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
  • Holidays: New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Helpful hint

Make a habit of checking your sentences. If you see a day, month, or holiday, the first letter should be uppercase.

Putting it all together

Good writers always use correct capitalization. Days, months, and holidays are special words that stand out when capitalized, making your writing correct and professional.

Examples:
  • “My family goes camping every July. This year we will go on Friday before Independence Day.”
  • “On Monday, our class will read a story about Thanksgiving.”
  • “We decorate eggs for Easter and open presents on Christmas.”
Helpful hint

Remember: Capitalization rules help readers know which words are important and make your writing easier to understand.