The PPCME2 and the subsequent corpora treat collective nouns like FOLK and PEOPLE differently.
In This Article...
Compass points
ADJ is assigned to forms having an overt adjectival suffix (EASTERN, NORTHERN, SOUTHERN, WESTERN, and variations).
When it comes to proper nouns (SOUTHERN CROSS), the same rules apply as they do to ordinary adjectives.
See Proper nouns, notably the exceptions to the idea of avoiding repetitious use of NPR and the consideration of unique entities, for the treatment of NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, and WEST in relation withproper nouns.
Units of measure (DAY, POUND, YEAR, etc.)
Depending on overt number marking, units of measure after numbers (TEN YEAR, etc.) are classified as singular or plural. All forms ending in -s, -a, or -en are plural, while all others are singular.
xl_NUM daies_NSsex_NUM monthis_NSvii_NUM +gere_N.xxx._NUM +gera_NS.xx._NUM yeres_NSthree_NUM hondred_NUM wynter_Nueale_Q hund_NUM wintra_NSix_NUM c_NUM pound_N
Possessive and genitive nouns (N$, NS$, $)
N$, NS$ are tags for common nouns that are in a possessive/genitive relationship with other nouns. Genitive marking in early writings predates universal -S, just as it does with the plural. N$, NS$ denotes genitive/possessive function rather than any particular morphological form in these circumstances. semantically genitive nouns that do not have a relationship with another noun, on the other hand, are not taggedN$, NS$; see NP adverbs for instances.
Only nouns and pronouns (N, NS, NPR, NPRS, PRO, WPRO) include the $ tag, which indicates their relationship to other nouns.
In the lack of an overt noun in a possessive NP to carry the possessive marker, the $ tag can appear directly on other nominal categories, resulting in NUM$,OTHER$, OTHERS$, and Q$.
The ALRE + superlative construction is a common case in Middle English.
The dollar tag ($)
The $ tag can exist alone, in addition to appearing directly on other tags (see last paragraph). It is always used alone for HIS in the JOHN HIS BOOK construction, and it is occasionally used alone for the possessive clitic (‘S, S), which predates the texts in the PPCME2, but it does appear in the edited texts on occasion. When the possessive clitic is spelt as a separate word, which happens occasionally, it always gets its own tag. If connected to a noun (N, NS, NPR, NPRS) and not preceded by an apostrophe, it is interpreted as a genitive ending when spelt together with the previous word (THELORD OF BODMINS HAT). Otherwise, it is split off with an emendation (GOD ALMIGHTY(‘)S MERCY, THE LORD OFBODMIN’S HAT). For the structures corresponding to the following examples, see N’s genitive/possessive modifiers.
General principles
NPR should not be used more than once. When words that are proper nouns on their own are combined with them, words that aren’t proper nouns on their own are given their ordinary tag. Prepositions, for example, are not considered part of proper nouns unless they are not spelled individually or in the case of foreign names.
In the case of N + N compounds, there are systematic exceptions to this rule.
Internal structure should be maximized.
Our annotation, in general, improves the internal structure of nouns that contain proper nouns.
The case of possible appositive structures is particularly noteworthy.
Noun-noun pairs are usually interpreted as appositive constructs after THE or possessive pronouns, despite the fact that this is virtually likely incorrect in some circumstances.
(NP (NPR Henry)(NP (NPR Alexander)(NP-PRN (D the) (ADJ Eighth))(NP-PRN (D the) (ADJ Great))(NP-PRN (D the) (ADJ Great))(NP (NPR Henry)(NP-PRN (NUM VIII))(NP (NPR Saint) (NPR John)(NP-PRN (N Baptist)))(NP (NPR David)(NP (NPR (N lorde)
(NP-PRN (NPR Roper))(NP-PRN (NPR Arthure))(NP (D the))(NP-PRN (NPR Roper))(NP-PRN (NPR Arthure))(NP-PRN (NPR Arthure))(NP-PR (N kynge)
(NP (D the) (ADJ grete) (N Lady)(NP-PRN (NPR Royns))(NP-PRN (NPR Lyle))(PP (P of)(PP (P of)(NP (NPR Northe) (NPR Walis))))(NP (NPR Avilion)))(NP (NPR Avilion)))(NP (NPR Avilion)))(NP (NPR Avilion)))(NP
(NP (D the) (N Castell)(NP (D the) (N Sege)(NP-PRN (NPR Terrable))(NP-PRN (NPR Perelous))(NP-PRN (NPR Terrable))(NP-PRN (NPR Perelous))
Names from other countries. Instead of being categorized as foreign words, foreign names are tagged as proper nouns (NPR) (FW).
Closed-class elements in foreign names (DE, DU, LE, LA, etc.) are always treated as part of the name, unlike closed-class things in English names.
(NP (NPR Petir) (NPR de) (NPR Luna))(NP (NPR Melyot) (NPR de) (NPR Logyrs))(NP (NPR Sagramour) (NPR le) (NPR Desyrus))(NP (NPR Sagramour) (NPR le) (NPR Desyrus))(NP (NPR Sagramour) (NPR le) (NPR Desyrus))(NP ( Marking in the plural. Plural tags are only used on things that have explicit plural indication, just like units of measure.
Adjectives are used instead of proper nouns for words that cannot be pluralized (ENGLISH, FRENCH).
For debate, see Groups of people.
ADJ + N
If the head noun is a proper name on its own, the adjective is labeled ADJ in adjective-noun pairs (in keeping with the principle of avoiding redundant use of NPR).
If the head noun isn’t a proper noun on its own, the adjective is also tagged NPR.
D/PRO$ + N
Specific epithets linked with a single person are not treated in the same way that offices are. The epithet is labeled NPR if it is used without the person’s name to refer to that person.
On the other hand, epithets used with a person’s name (JOHN BAPTIST, EDMUND IRONSIDES) are given appositive constructions (in keeping with the principle of maximizing internalstructure).
D/PRO$ + N + NPR
THE EARL THOMAS, MILORD CROMWELL instances are always handled as appositive structures (in keepingwith the principle of maximizinginternal structure).
THE N OF NP
In general, the first noun in phrases of the pattern THE N OF NP is tagged N. For some exceptions, seeCITY,SON,TOWER.
NPR is assigned to nouns in the PP only if they are proper nouns on their own.
Any nouns in the PP that aren’t proper nouns on their own are marked with their regular tags rather than with NPR.
N + N
Both components of noun-noun pairings in which neither noun is a proper noun on its own are labelled N.
See Offices for examples when one of the nouns suggests a position (e.g., KING HENRY, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE SCROPE).
Even if one of the nouns isn’t a proper noun on its own, this holds true (see examplesbelow).
It doesn’t matter what order the nouns are in (LONDON BRIDGE, MOUNTZION).
These are exceptions to the general rule of avoiding repeated NPR use.
Offices
They are marked NPR when they are used in conjunction with a proper noun (KING HENRY, LADY LISLE). These instances are a systematic exception to the rule of not using NPR twice.
In syntactically more complex circumstances, such as those in which the term expressing the office contains an adjective, the same distinction is established.
Any adjectives are marked ADJ when the expression occurs on its own (with an accompanying ADJP if postnominal).
When the office appears with a name (that is, when it serves as a title), all adjectives are labeled NPR, and the entire NP is given a flat structure.
Unique entities
The DEVIL’S names and epithets (FIEND, SATAN, UNWIHT, WURSE, etc.) are always proper.
The Judeo-Christian GOD’s names and epithets (CREATOR, LORD, etc.) are always fitting.
The TRINITY, its members (FATHER, SON, HOLY GHOST), and appropriate epithets are included (CHRIST, HEALER, SAVIOR).
NPR has labeled Mary with the term LADY.
The default value in questionable instances is N.
See D +NPR + NPR for examples of the type OUR LORD GOD.
(NPR Father) (NP (PRO$ Oure))
(NP (PRO$ ure) (NPR helende))(NP (PRO$ Oure) (NPR Lady))(NP (NPR Lord))(NP (PRO$ Oure) (NPR Lord))(NP (NPR Lord))(NP (PRO$ Oure) (NPR Lord))(NP (D the) (NPR Trinity))(NP (NPR +trumnesse))(NP (NPR Lord) (NPR Iesu
(NPR Ave) (NPR Maria)) (NP) (NP) (NP) (NP) (NP) (NP) (NP) (
(NP (NPR Credo)(NP (NPR Pater) (NPR Noster))(NP (NPR Requiem))(NP (NPR Te) (NPR Deum) (NPR Laudamus))(NP (NPR Te) (NPR Deum) (NPR Laudamus))(NP (NPR Te) (NPR Deum) (NPR Laudamus))(NP (NPR Te) (NPR Deum) (NPR
ZODIAC and the signs of the zodiac are proper nouns, but GEMINI and PISCES are singular.
Is it customary to capitalize zodiac signs?
I’m not going to try to interpret any of those enigmatic principles here; instead, I’d like to highlight some of the peculiarities of Microsoft Word’s AutoCorrect feature when it comes to capitalization.
Yes, one of the functions of AutoCorrect is to “correct” capitalization. This is incredibly useful (especially if you’re a little too quick and/or lazy with the shift keys). This, like all the other automatic fixes made by word processors, isn’t something you should take for granted.
- The majority of US states will be auto capitalized. Iowa, Maine, Ohio, and Texas, on the other hand, will not be. Keep an eye out for the “New” states as well as the compass points (north, south, and west).
- Many countries are reprimanded, but others are not. Pakistan is capitalized, but India is not (due to ink? ); Canada is capitalized, but Mexico is not; Iraq is capitalized, but Iran is not; Austria is capitalized, but Germany is not; Sweden is capitalized, but Finland is not.
- Only a few zodiac signs are capitalized automatically (Capricorn, Gemini, Sagittarius, Taurus).
- The names of a few of the planets are not capitalized. Mercury, Earth, and Mars (all of which have multiple meanings, so they’re hedging) make sense, but why Venus?
- In keeping with legend, the Greek gods have a tiny advantage over their Roman counterparts, with plenty of misses for both.
- Some public individuals are capitalized, while others are not. Not Fillmore, McKinley, or Kennedy (not Kennedy? ), but Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton. Really?). Vice presidents in the modern era do not do well. Romney receives autocorrection, but Obama does not, which is an annoying omission (but the note below might explain why).
- Corporations are covered in a variety of ways. Pepsi and Merck are good, but Exxon and Xerox aren’t. Verizon, Kroger, Pfizer, and Walgreen are among the Fortune 500 companies covered; McKesson, Boeing, and Humana are not.
- Similarly, brand names are up for grabs. For example, Tylenol is well-liked, although Advil and Nuprin are not.
- Does the use of fake names expose the programmers’ biases? AutoCorrect capitalizes several Tolkien names (Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, Rivendell…but not Mordor or Gondor); Star Wars names are capitalized similarly (it’s good to be Anakin or Chewbacca). AutoCorrect recognizes Hogwarts; unfortunately, Gormenghast does not.
To be clear, the preceding collection is not meant to be comprehensive. It’s just a collection of nonscientific observations. However, it exemplifies why turning down your intellect and relying solely on automation is never a good idea. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find some amusement in this post.
NOTES: Capitalization isn’t the only issue with AutoCorrect. There are other “spellchecker errors” that need their own postings; this is likely to become its own category on this site over time.
Also, for the previous instances, I used Word 2007. Although Word 2010 would have been more suited, I was working with this version while creating this post. Many of the aforementioned inconsistencies may have been fixed in a subsequent version, but I’m confident that new quirks were created in their place.
Do you put a capital letter in Pisces?
I observed Pisces, a constellation in the northern sky, on a cloudless night. Because the word ‘Pisces’ is a noun. As a result, the noun will always be capitalized first.
Are astrological signs accurate?
You don’t pay attention to your horoscope. But I’m sure you’re aware of your zodiac sign. You were most likely not born under the star sign you believe you were. In fact, the present period of traditional star signs is so inaccurate that you’re most likely the star sign preceding the one you think you are.
Is Taurus a proper noun or a pronoun?
Taurus, as a proper noun, is a zodiac constellation that is said to be shaped like a bull and contains the star Aldebaran. The bull’s Zodiac sign runs from April 21 to May 21.
Is the word “Halloween” capitalized?
Is the word “Halloween” capitalized? Yes, because it is a holiday and a proper noun, the word “Halloween” should be capitalized in accordance with title capitalization standards.