Should You Capitalize ‘Yesterday’ in Your Writing- A Guide to Proper Grammar Usage
Do you capitalize yesterday? This question may seem trivial at first glance, but it raises an interesting point about the rules of capitalization in the English language. Capitalization is not just about making the first letter of a sentence or a proper noun uppercase; it also involves understanding when to capitalize certain words, including days of the week. In this article, we will explore the capitalization of “yesterday” and other days of the week, and why it matters in written and formal communication.
The capitalization of “yesterday” and other days of the week depends on the context in which they are used. In general, when days of the week are used as standalone nouns, they should be capitalized. For example, “Yesterday was a beautiful day,” where “yesterday” is used as a noun to refer to the day before today. Similarly, “Monday is the first day of the week,” where “Monday” is used as a proper noun to refer to the specific day.
However, when days of the week are used as adjectives, they should be lowercase. For instance, “I have a meeting on Monday,” where “Monday” is used as an adjective to describe the day of the week on which the meeting is scheduled. In this case, “Monday” is not a proper noun but rather an adjective modifying the noun “meeting.”
The distinction between using days of the week as nouns or adjectives is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy in written and formal communication. Misusing capitalization can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, especially in professional settings. For example, a report that incorrectly capitalizes “yesterday” as an adjective might imply that the event occurred on a different day than intended.
In addition to proper nouns and adjectives, the capitalization of “yesterday” can also vary depending on the specific style guide being followed. For instance, the Associated Press (AP) style guide recommends capitalizing days of the week when they appear at the beginning of a sentence or when they are used as standalone nouns. In contrast, the Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide suggests using lowercase for days of the week in most contexts.
In conclusion, the capitalization of “yesterday” and other days of the week is an important aspect of English grammar. Understanding when to capitalize these words as nouns or adjectives, as well as adhering to the specific style guide being used, can help ensure clear and effective communication. So, the next time you’re writing a formal document or an email, remember to consider the capitalization of “yesterday” and other days of the week to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
