Spoonful #63: Seasonal Capitalization Rules

Spring has sprung and it's a welcome feast for the senses. But spring can also bring about seasonal allergies and questions about when and if to capitalize the seasons. Stay tuned for my short, sweet, completely hypoallergenic answer!





WHEN should you capitalize the seasons? NEVER!!

WHY? Because winter, spring, summer, and fall are all COMMON nouns, like dog, cat, boat, table, and book. You might be fooled when a season starts a sentence, which will lead to it being capitalized. Here are two examples:

My favorite seasons are spring and fall. 
Spring and fall are my favorite seasons. (Note: spring is only capitalized due to its placement within the second sentence)

The only exception is when a season features in a title such as Spring Fling or Summer Music Series.

In contrast, the individual months January-December are PROPER nouns, and thus are ALWAYS capitalized. 

That's a wrap! Stay safe and healthy, everyone. 

Sincerely,
Laura Fineberg Cooper

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