I realize we want to be proper and all that but other than that what was the original purposes of capitalization. Surely we can regonize the beginning of a sentence without capitalizing the first letter unless the writter forgot to puntuate the end of the previous sentence. I also realize that we capitalize letters in other instances. I am sure there is a legitament reason for all capitalization but I just don`t know it. Sucessfull no rules text messaging brought this question to mind.
2007-12-02 17:23:32 · 5 answers · asked by Mr. Un-couth 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
grammar as we know it is being thrown out the window. personally i don't mind that much as i see most grammar rules as a waste of time... but i think the main purpose of capitalization is deeming importance (in the case of a proper noun) and signifying the start of a new sentence. even with the period, it's just a helpful reminder that it's a new sentence... either that or it was invented just to drive kindergartners insane... two alphabets, come on!
2007-12-02 17:30:42 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't capitalize just to be proper. All rules in grammar are based on conveying meaning. We also capitalize to show something is a proper noun. For example, "The tall building is on the corner," and "The Tall Building is on the corner" have two very different meanings.
Usually, capitalization and punctuation don't matter so much in text messaging b/c the reader already has a little idea of what you are talking about... But, could you imagine reading a legal document or a contract or news story without a formal set of rules?
2007-12-03 02:16:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that the capitalization of certain words is more like a tradition than anything else, like wearing green on st.patriks day. there's no real reason for it other than to uphold the rules.
although, certain names do need capitalizing so that we know that they're names, and the capitalisation does make handwriting look significantly neater.
capitalising the word "i" helps to defrinciate it from other letters in a sentence as a separate word to tose infront and behind it.
i think the main benifit of capitalising certain words is to defrinciate between the different types of words i.e. nouns and verbs and adjectives and adverbs and pronouns.
i hope this helps you on your quest to enlightenment ;P
p.s. i think it also helps to show expression when you are reading, like so you know which words to emphasise. and which to tone down.
2007-12-02 17:33:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like paragrahs and other punctuation, it makes reading easier.
The reader's not confused as to which meaning of the word the author intended:
Rob, rob
Reed, reed
Dick, dick (private investigator)
ARM, arm
And thousands more
2007-12-02 17:43:12 · answer #4 · answered by TryItOnce 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when I write a letter to someone I don't know that well
I cap thier name, even if I don't cap mine.
I feel like they may be offended.
or they may feel like they don't know me that well.
unless it's just a quick note and there are no caps in the whole thing.
2007-12-02 17:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋