daijobu Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Is there some sort of rule of thumb for whether to capitalize directions, like west or West? My dd writes: "One of the reasons settlers decided to move west...." west or West? Later: "Looking for better opportunities, the moved west." west or West? By west, she's referring to the West Coast. But they are also moving west of their current location. So confusing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alef Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 She is not using them to name regions but to designate direction of travel, so no capitalization is necessary. http://www.proofreadnow.com/blog/bid/30440/North-East-South-or-West-Capitalize-or-Not ETA if she said they were moving to the West she would capitalize, the word "the" changes the usage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 If west is being used as an adverb, no capitalization. If she is using it as a proper noun, then it is capitalized. The settlers moved west in 1849. The settlers moved to the West in 1849. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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