‘King’ vs ‘king’ – A Guide to Professional Writing

When it comes to capitalization, many people often wonder whether to capitalize the word “king” or not. The answer to this question is not a straightforward one, as it depends on how the word is being used.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that “king” is a noun, which means it refers to a person, place, thing, or idea. In the context of royalty, “king” refers to a male monarch who rules over a kingdom or country.

In general, the word “king” is not capitalized when used in a general sense. For example, when talking about the concept of kingship or describing a king in general terms, the word should be written in lowercase. For instance, “The king’s authority was absolute in his kingdom.”

However, when the word “king” is used as a title before a name, it should be capitalized. For example, “King George VI was the father of Queen Elizabeth II.” In this case, “King” is part of the proper noun and should be capitalized.

Moreover, the same rule applies to oter royal titles such as queen, prince, duke, and duchess. These titles should be capitalized when used as part of a name or title, but not when used generically. For instance, “Prince Harry is the son of Prince Charles, the Duke of Cornwall.”

The rule for capitalizing “king” is simple: capitalize it when it’s used before a name or title, but write it in lowercase when used generically. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure your writing is grammatically correct and professional-looking.

Capitalization of the Word ‘King’

No, the word “king” is not always capitalized. It is only capitalized when used as a proper noun, such as a title for a specific king or as part of a name, like King Henry VIII. However, when used as a common noun to refer to a king in general, it is not capitalized, such as “the king of Spain” or “a new king was crowned.” Therefore, it is important to consider the context in which the word is being used to determine whether or not it should be capitalized.

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Should King Be Capitalized in The King?

Yes, the word “king” is capitalized only when used as a title before the name of royalty. In all oher cases, it should be written in lowercase. This follows the guidelines set by the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, which is a widely used style guide for journalists and other writers. So, if you are referring to a specific king, such as King Henry VIII or King George VI, then the word “king” should be capitalized. However, if you are speaking in general terms, such as “the king of the jungle” or “the king of rock and roll,” then the word “king” should be written in lowercase.

Capitalizing the Word ‘King’ in MLA Format

Yes, in MLA style, you should capitalize the word “king” when it appears before a name or as part of a title. This is consistent with the general rule of capitalizing titles when they are used as proper nouns. For example, you would write “King Henry VIII” with both “king” and “Henry” capitalized. However, if you were referring to a generic king, such as “the king of England,” you would not capitalize “king” because it is a common noun.

Capitalization of Doctor in Doctor King

In the name “Doctor King,” the word “Doctor” would not be capitalized unless it is being used as a title. If “Doctor” is being used as a title, then it should be capitalized, as in the case of “Dr. King.” However, if “Doctor” is simply being used to refer to the profession of the person, then it should not be capitalized. It’s important to note that context matters when it comes to capitalization, and it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific style guide or guidelines being used for a particular document or publication.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the capitalization of the word “king” depends on the context in which it is beng used. When it is used as a proper noun, such as before the name of a particular monarch, it should be capitalized. On the other hand, when it is used generically to refer to a king or monarch in general, it should be written in lower case. It is essential to follow the style guide of the particular publication or organization to ensure consistency and correctness in capitalization. Adhering to these rules will help to convey a professional and informed tone in your writing.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.