What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
capitalizing
Example
Make sure you are capitalizing the proper nouns in your essay. [capitalizing: present participle]
Example
She is capitalizing on the current trend by starting her own online business. [capitalizing: present participle]
capitalize
Example
Remember to capitalize the first letter of each sentence. [capitalize: verb]
Example
He decided to capitalize his savings by investing in real estate. [capitalize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Capitalize is more commonly used than capitalizing in everyday language. Capitalize is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while capitalizing is more specific to the correct use of capital letters in writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between capitalizing and capitalize?
While capitalizing is typically associated with formal writing, capitalize can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
