Are Directions Capitalized?

Understanding When to Capitalize Directions

In writing, the words we use for directions—like north, south, east, and west—follow special rules for capitalization. Sometimes, these words get a capital letter, but other times they do not. Learning the difference helps us write correctly about places and regions.

When Do We Use Capital Letters?

Capitalize directions when they are part of a proper noun or the name of a region. Here are some examples:

• When the direction names a region: I live in the Southwest.
• When talking about people from a region: Northerners experience cold winters.
• When it is part of a proper name: North Dakota, South America, East River.
• When describing a cultural region: Western culture, Eastern philosophy.

When Do We Use Lowercase?

Do not capitalize directions when talking about which way to go or location:

• When giving directions: Turn north on Main Street.
• When describing a location: The park is south of the school.
• When describing movement: Birds fly south for winter.
• When talking about sides: The east side of the building.

Memory Trick

Ask yourself: "Can I replace this with a specific place name?" If yes, use a capital. Another trick is: if it’s a place name, use a capital letter. If it’s just telling you which way to go, use lowercase.

Comparison

Capitalizing directions is like knowing when to use someone’s name versus their job. "Doctor Smith" uses capitals, but "the doctor" does not. In the same way, "the West" (a place name) uses a capital, but "go west" (a direction) does not.

Examples

• Capitalize: The West has beautiful mountains.
• Don’t capitalize: Go west for three miles.
• Capitalize: She moved to Southern California.
• Don’t capitalize: The southern part of the state is warmer.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that compasses use the same directions—north, south, east, and west—no matter where you are in the world?