Lower Case
What is lower case:
- Lower case is a capitalization style where all letters in a sentence, title, or heading are written in lowercase, except for proper nouns, which are always capitalized regardless of their position.
- For example:
- “this is an example of lower case.”
- “the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
Importance of applying lower case:
- Clarity: lower case can improve clarity in certain contexts by creating a more relaxed and informal appearance. It can make text feel less intimidating and more approachable.
- Uniformity: using lower case consistently can give your writing a unique and modern look, reducing the visual noise caused by mixed capitalization styles.
- Tone: lower case often conveys a casual and friendly tone, which is beneficial for informal writing formats such as text messages, social media posts, and casual emails.
- Contemporary appeal: many modern brands and platforms, like tumblr and e.E. Cummings’ poetry, utilize lower case to present a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic.
Appropriate application of lower case:
- Lower case is often used in various contexts to create a casual and approachable tone. Below are some common scenarios where lower case is particularly appropriate:
- Body text: In informal writing, such as personal notes, text messages, and casual emails, lower case can make the text feel more relaxed and conversational.
- Titles and subtitles: In creative writing and certain design contexts, lower case can be used in titles and subtitles to give a modern and minimalist look.
- Email subject lines: Using lower case in email subject lines can make them appear more casual and friendly, which is beneficial for informal or internal communications.
- Blog entries and social media: Lower case is frequently used in blog entries and social media posts to foster a laid-back and engaging tone.
- Branding and design: Many modern brands and platforms, like tumblr and certain fashion labels, use lower case in their branding to convey a contemporary and approachable image.
When not appropriate to apply lower case to your text:
- Academic and formal titles: in scholarly writing, formal reports, and academic papers, title case or sentence case is often preferred. This includes the titles of books, research articles, and dissertations.
- Brand names and trademarks: brand names, trademarks, and certain proper nouns should always be capitalized according to their official styling, which often uses title case or all capital letters.
- Legal documents: legal documents and contracts typically use title case for headings and important sections to ensure clarity and emphasis.
- Professional resumes and CVs: in professional resumes and CVs, title case is commonly used for section headings to maintain a polished and formal appearance.
- Formal invitations and announcements: for formal events, such as weddings or official ceremonies, title case is often used in invitations and announcements to convey a sense of formality and importance.
How to apply lower case to your text:
- Write all words in lowercase, except for proper nouns (names of people, places, etc.).
- For example:
- Correct: “this is an example of sentence case.”
- Incorrect: “This Is An Example Of Sentence Case.”