Should a.m. and p.m. be capitalized? This question often arises in discussions about proper grammar and punctuation. While some argue that these abbreviations should always be capitalized, others believe they should be lowercase. This article aims to explore the reasons behind both viewpoints and provide a clear answer to this common question.
The debate over the capitalization of a.m. and p.m. stems from the origin of these abbreviations. “A.M.” stands for “ante meridiem,” which is Latin for “before noon,” while “P.M.” stands for “post meridiem,” meaning “after noon.” Both abbreviations were originally written in all caps to emphasize their Latin roots. However, as English evolved, these abbreviations became more common in everyday usage, and the capitalization rule became less strict.
Proponents of capitalizing a.m. and p.m. argue that doing so maintains the original form and respect for the Latin origin of these terms. They believe that capitalizing these abbreviations helps to preserve the integrity of the language and its historical context. Furthermore, they argue that capitalizing a.m. and p.m. is a sign of professionalism and attention to detail in written communication.
On the other hand, opponents of capitalizing a.m. and p.m. contend that the current trend in English writing is to use lowercase for abbreviations. They argue that capitalizing a.m. and p.m. is outdated and can make written text look cluttered and unprofessional. Additionally, they point out that the capitalization of these abbreviations is not consistent with other time-related terms, such as “midnight” or “noon,” which are not capitalized.
The rule for capitalizing a.m. and p.m. can vary depending on the style guide or publication one is following. For instance, the Associated Press (AP) style recommends using lowercase for a.m. and p.m. in most cases, while the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) suggests capitalizing them when they appear at the beginning of a sentence or when they are used alone.
In conclusion, whether a.m. and p.m. should be capitalized is a matter of personal preference and the specific style guide one is adhering to. While some argue for capitalization to maintain the original form and show respect for the language’s history, others believe that lowercase is the more modern and consistent approach. Ultimately, it is essential to be consistent within a given document and to follow the guidelines of the publication or organization for which one is writing.
