Fact Check: Are days of the week capitalized?

Are Days of the Week Capitalized?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether the days of the week should be capitalized in written English. This question often arises among students, writers, and anyone engaging with English grammar rules. The consensus among various sources appears to support the idea that days of the week are indeed capitalized, but the nuances of this rule may vary depending on context and style guides.

What We Know

General Rule: In English, the days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.) are classified as proper nouns and are therefore capitalized. This is a standard rule across most English grammar guides and style manuals 1 3 4 6.
Exceptions: While the days of the week are generally capitalized, some sources note that seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) are not capitalized unless personified or used in a title 2 4 7.
Style Guides: Different style guides may have varying emphases on capitalization rules, but the capitalization of days of the week is consistently noted. For instance, the Lewis University Editorial Style Guide explicitly states that days of the week should be capitalized 2.
Examples: Numerous examples illustrate the correct capitalization of days of the week. For instance, "On Wednesdays, we wear pink" is cited as the correct form, contrasting with the incorrect "on wednesdays" 4 5.
Language Variations: It is important to note that capitalization rules can differ in other languages, but in English, the capitalization of days is a widely accepted norm 4 9.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that days of the week are capitalized is robust, with multiple reputable sources affirming this rule. However, the reliability of these sources varies:

Educational Institutions: Sources like the Towson University writing center 1 and Lewis University 2 are credible as they are affiliated with educational institutions, which typically adhere to established grammar rules.
Grammar Websites: Sites like Grammarly 5 8 and ProWritingAid 4 provide useful insights and examples, but their reliability can be questioned as they may cater to a broader audience and sometimes prioritize user engagement over strict academic rigor.
Content Creators: Websites such as Become a Writer Today 7 and GrammarBrain 3 offer practical advice but may lack the authoritative backing of academic or professional style guides. Their content is often designed to be accessible and may not delve deeply into the nuances of grammar rules.
Conflicting Information: One source, Ranking Articles 10, suggests that capitalization may depend on context, specifically when referring to days as part of a specific calendar date. This introduces ambiguity and suggests that the rule may not be as absolute as others claim.

Overall, while the majority of sources affirm that days of the week should be capitalized, the presence of conflicting information highlights the importance of context and the potential for varying interpretations based on different writing styles.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that days of the week should be capitalized in English writing. This conclusion is based on the consensus among multiple reputable sources, including educational institutions and established style guides, which classify the days of the week as proper nouns requiring capitalization.

However, it is important to acknowledge that there are nuances and exceptions, particularly in specific contexts or according to different style guides. Some sources suggest that capitalization may vary based on usage, such as when days are part of a specific date. This indicates that while the general rule is clear, there may be instances where interpretation can differ.

Readers should also be aware of the limitations in the available evidence, as not all sources are equally authoritative, and some may prioritize accessibility over strict adherence to grammatical norms. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals to critically evaluate the information they encounter and consider the context in which they are writing.