Ask the Editor
Do we capitalize school subjects such as math, biology, and chemistry?
—
Abdul
,
Saudi Arabia
Answer
You should capitalize school subjects when they are proper nouns. But which school subjects are proper nouns?
When you are talking about a school subject in a general way, you do not need to capitalize it unless it is the name of a language. For example, math and chemistry do not need to be capitalized, but French and Spanish do need to be capitalized because they are proper nouns.
When you are talking about the name of a specific class or course, such as Math 241 or Chemistry 100, always capitalize it. Capitalize course titles such as History of the French Revolution and Childhood Psychology.
The following example sentences show when to capitalize a school subject, and when not to.
- I'm taking algebra this semester.
- He had always hated biology and chemistry.
- He decided to take two philosophy classes his senior year.
- She studied psychology in college.
- They had English together two years in a row.
- He is hoping to take French next year.
- She was really enjoying geometry.
- She challenged herself by taking Physics 301.
- His first year in college he took Philosophy of Language, Math 101, and Educational Psychology.
I hope this helps.
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