Left and Right

Question

When you used Left and Right when talking about politics, should you capitalise them?

I've seen different examples in articles I've read? I've also seen leftists capitalised, but I never do that myself.

I've also seen Left-wing and left-wing, too.

Confused.

Teechr · Accepted Answer

No, there's no need to capitalize them.

KeyboardWarrior · Answer

Hmmm, interesting.

It was this article that made me confused. (Not just the capitalising of Left, too) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-3869182/Why-Lefties-misty-eyed-movie-romanticises-Benefits-Britain-says-TOBY-YOUNG.html

AlpheccaStars · Answer

I think that dictionaries are a good source for capitalization guidance.
In this source, left is capitalized when used as a noun (preceded by the definite article) and not capitalized when used as an adjective.

6.
the Left.

the complex of individuals or organized groups advocating liberal reform or revolutionary change in the social, political, or economic order.
the position held by these people.
Compare right (def 33a, b).
left wing.

left wing
1. members of a liberal or radical political party, or those favoring extensive political reform.
2. such a party or a group of such parties.
3. the part of a political or social organization advocating a liberal or radical position.

In this http://www.thefreedictionary.com/The+Left, left, as an adjective ith the political meaning, can be optionally capitalized.

So when you see it in print, capitalized or not, the writers are likely be using a style guide which has the capitalization standards for that particular publication.

KeyboardWarrior · Answer

Thanks for that.

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