When to Capitalize Popular Names of Places

C.E. Wolff:

Love CMOS!

Originally posted on :

Today’s grammar tip is brought to you by CMOS 8.47.

One thing I’ve noticed recently is that people like to capitalize words. I don’t know if this is a new thing, but it’s definitely a thing. Depending on whom you talk to, capitalization isn’t a make-or-break issue. JK Rowling, for example, capitalizes many words that don’t need to be capitalized, but you don’t see anyone making a fuss about it.

Still, I think it is important to be aware...