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Thread: Occupations

  1. #1
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    Default Occupations

    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?

  2. #2

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    Ultimately, it's what looks right to you, allowing for punctuation. I don't use caps.

  3. #3
    Super Moderator Sue Mackay's Avatar
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    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
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  4. #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.

  5. #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.

  6. #6
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    Lower case in normal sentences. Capitals in census entries (although you should be tabling these anyway)

  7. #7
    Kiltpin
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    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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