When do you capitalize regions

Should compass directions i. And if so, when? The master bedroom is in the east wing of the mansion. The same applies for related adjectives and other compass directions:. We live in the eastern part of the country. The obvious examples of this are countries, states, cities, and other geographical areas:. Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox. Westward Ho!

The uniting theme here is the idea of naming a well-known or well-defined region. In some cases, like country and city names, this is clear. But in other cases, it is more a matter of convention and habit. And if you need help, our expert proofreaders are ready! You can even submit a sample document for free to see how our services work. Post A New Comment. You can also upload a document to get an instant quote.

Browse from your device. Drop your file here! Your file is being uploaded! Capitalize locations in a country if the proper noun is given — in other words, the name of a region or city, such as the Congo, the Mississippi River, etc. Direction-denoting terms such as north, south, east, west, etc. For example:. Here are a few more examples:. The words are also not capitalized if they only indicate locations or the climate or geography of a region.

But when the words are used in specific contexts, denote people belonging to a particular region, or refer to their social, political, or cultural activities, they are capitalized.

Similar is the case with the following set of words:. Here are a couple of sentences for further clarity on the matter:. BUT: We maintain a slalom course in the south of France. OR: Go north on I and then west on Route Capitalize such words as Northerner, Southerner, and Midwesterner. Eastern bankers, but the eastern half of Colorado Southern hospitality, but southern temperatures Western civilization, but westerly winds the Northern vote, but a northern winter The Northern states did not vote as they were expected.

Political activities. The drought has ended in the northern states. My sales territory takes in most of the southeastern states. WV Colo. CO La. LA Nev. NV Pa. PA Wis. WI Conn. CT Md. RI Wyo. WY Del. DE Mass. SC Fla.