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Victo Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Capitalize subsidiaries and use lowercase for internal elements of an organization

I have consulted AP Stylebook, CP Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style to ascertain if the departments and divisions within a company are capitalized. All of these reference books state to capitalize subsidiaries and use lowercase for internal elements of an organization, but I don't know if that applies to the name of a specific department or division of a company. Could you help with this?

I say 'lowercase' to the departments below (generic references). Am I correct?

I contacted the loss prevention department to report the incident.
I will contact the human resources department.
I contacted the benefits department for an answer.
I will get in touch with the supply division.
Kayla works in the meat department at the supermarket.
Amy works in both the deli department and seafood department.

Thank you kindly.
  

Top answer

I say 'lowercase' to the departments below (generic references). -- No, not at all. You are either reading the style manuals wrong or being willfully eclectic.

  • I say 'lowercase' to the departments below (generic references).
  • -- No, not at all.
  • You are either reading the style manuals wrong or being willfully eclectic.
  • Any name of a specific department/division/section/etc-- referring to the name used by the company under consideration-- is capitalized: I contacted the Loss Prevention Department to report the incident.
  • I will contact the Human Resources Department .
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3 Answers
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I say 'lowercase' to the departments below (generic references). Am I correct?-- No, not at all. You are either reading the style manuals wrong or being willfully eclectic. Any name of a specific department/division/section/etc-- referring to the name used by the company under consideration-- is capitalized:

I contacted the Loss Prevention Department to report the inciden
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Thanks.

How about, "I contacted the Human Resources manager (or 'Manager')"? (Cap-M?)

"I contacted the Human Resources Manager, Sean Doyle." Good?
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Yes, as long as it is his specific title, that is good.

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