Silly question but I cant' made up my mind which way to go.
When you write something up and quote an occupation (millhand, miner, draper's assstant for example) do you use capitals: Millhand,Miner, Draper's Assistant - or not?
I can't decide if there is a 'correct' way or whether it's up to me and what looks 'right'.
Any thoughts?
Results 1 to 7 of 7
Thread: Occupations
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02-02-2014, 2:26 PM #1
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Occupations
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02-02-2014, 4:34 PM #2
Ultimately, it's what looks right to you, allowing for punctuation. I don't use caps.
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02-02-2014, 4:42 PM #3
I might use capitals if I am listing a census entry, to delineate the columns, but if I am writing text, eg "he worked as a wheelwright" then I don't use capitals.
Sue Mackay
Insanity is hereditary - you get it from your kids
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02-02-2014, 5:31 PM #4
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As a general rule, I think we should avoid the excessive use of capitals. While there's a distinction between 'Church' and 'church' (eg 'there is a church on the corner' but 'the Church disapproves of sin'), I can't think the same applies to jobs.
If you meant a specific office (eg 'he was the Bishop of Durham') I think you'd be right to use capitals but not if you wrote 'he eventually became a bishop'. Could be a minefield! I'd say no capitals unless you're sure that lower case doesn't look right
If you've got a British library card (nb not British Library...oh no, here we go again ) you should have access to an online edition of Fowler's Modern English Usage via Oxford Reference. You might find it interesting.
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02-02-2014, 6:03 PM #5
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Hmmm. Interesting to see the thoughts of others. I am leaning towards the use of lower case letters but take Peter's points as very valid.
I did type a few with an initial capital and then the same with lower case and I have to say the lower case versions look better. I've checked in fiction and non-fiction books and they don't favour capital letters either so that will be the way I go.
Thanks.
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26-07-2016, 9:53 PM #6
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Lower case in normal sentences. Capitals in census entries (although you should be tabling these anyway)
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26-07-2016, 10:26 PM #7KiltpinGuest
The only exception that I can think of, is where the job description is also the persons title. As in Alderman, Mayor, Comptroller and the like.
Regards
Kiltpin
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