do u capitalize days of the week

2 min read 08-10-2024

Do You Capitalize Days of the Week? A Quick Guide

Have you ever wondered whether to capitalize "Monday" or "monday"? It's a common question, and the answer is: yes, you should capitalize days of the week.

This rule applies to both formal and informal writing, and it's generally accepted across English-speaking regions. However, there are a few exceptions and nuances that might confuse you. Let's delve into the specifics:

When to Capitalize Days of the Week

Always capitalize days of the week: When writing the full names of days, such as "Monday," "Tuesday," "Wednesday," etc., always use a capital letter at the beginning.
In a sentence: You should capitalize days of the week even when they're part of a sentence. For example, "The meeting will be held on Tuesday at 2 pm."
In titles and headings: Days of the week should also be capitalized in titles and headings, such as "Monday Morning Meeting" or "Weekend Getaways."

When to Not Capitalize Days of the Week

When referring to a specific date: If you're writing a date in the form of "July 4th," "December 25th," or "January 1st," you don't capitalize the day of the week. This rule applies regardless of whether you write out the month or use a numeral.
When using abbreviations: When abbreviating days of the week (e.g., Mon, Tue, Wed), you generally do not capitalize them.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the capitalization rules:

Correct: We're having a party on Friday night.
Incorrect: We're having a party on friday night.
Correct: The deadline is Thursday, but the meeting is on Monday.
Incorrect: The deadline is thursday, but the meeting is on monday.
Correct: The event will take place on July 4th, 2023.
Incorrect: The event will take place on July 4th, 2023.

Why Does This Matter?

While some might consider capitalization rules trivial, they are essential for maintaining clarity and professionalism in written communication. Proper capitalization helps readers easily distinguish days of the week from other words in a sentence and enhances the overall readability of your writing.

Additional Tips

Use a style guide: If you are unsure about capitalization rules, refer to a style guide such as the Associated Press Stylebook (AP Stylebook) or the Chicago Manual of Style.
Consistency is key: Be consistent with your capitalization throughout your writing. Don't switch between capitalized and uncapitalized days of the week within the same document.

By understanding and applying these simple rules, you can ensure that your written communication is clear, professional, and error-free.