How the Grammar Guru Embarrassed Herself With the State Capital
Once upon a time, the Grammar Guru was just a cocky teenager without much good sense. She read a newspaper headline that said “Protesters Converge on State Capital” and decided that her local newspaper needed the benefit of her editorial skills. She called to complain that the newspaper should get it right … when referring to the government seat of a state or country, the word should be spelled with an O. Fortunately, the Grammar Guru got a sympathetic editor who took the time to explain that this common misconception is, in fact, incorrect. And now the Grammar Guru passes the wisdom on to you.
The word Capitol is used only to refer to the actual building in which the seat of government rests. The place where the legislature meets is the Capitol Building (or complex). In all other cases, the word is spelled with an A.
We have capital letters, capital punishment, and capital crimes. Nashville is the capital of my state; Washington, DC, is the capital of my country.
Capital is also money; entrepreneurs need capital to get their businesses started. And it can refer to assets, such as capital improvements. It can mean very serious, as in a capital mistake, or it can mean foremost, as in a task of capital importance. It can also mean excellent, as you have heard our British friends say “That’s a capital idea!”
Save yourself some embarrassment and learn this important definition. Then you won’t be red-faced and chagrined as the Grammar Guru was those many years ago.
6 Comments
I read that you’re busy, but I’ve noticed a pet peeve of mine showing up in people’s posts. If you think of it, maybe explain in a post that the phrases are “would have, could have, should have” not “would of, could of, should of.” Just a suggestion — great blog! I have been a copy editor and I love grammar!
Reminds me a bit of when I was in the 6th grade and my math teacher taught the class the difference between principle and principal. All she said to make the difference clear was, “The principal is your pal.” It stuck in my head all these years because I really didn’t like my principal back then (though she adored me) and certainly didn’t consider her my pal!
And I love grammar too!!! Though I do notice when folks write “could of,” it doesn’t really bug me–at least not as much as other common errors.
Edit, I’m ashamed to say I didn’t realize this.thanks for the info!
And keep up the good work, I love this blog!
Maybe I’m just a nerd, but it also makes me think of insure vs. ensure. Insure is only for insurance, like you get your car insured, etc. Ensure means to make sure of something. Also not to be confused with assure. I assure you, there must be a way to ensure that you insure your car. ACK!
Hoi! That’s MY Job, Skin!
Excellent example and excellent explanation!
Couldn’t have said or done it better myself.
Thanks for the information.