Hi,

I would be most grateful if you could help me with this question:

Proper names are always capped but what about a situation when the full name is not used but part of the name is used. In this particular situation would it be best practice to lower case when we are just saying part of the name.

1. Lamborghini Coupe

2. Lamborghini Spyder

Subsequent mentions -

(a) a coupe, a spyder.

(b) between a coupe and a spyder

(c) the coupe and the spyder

Grateful for your guidance.

Warmest regards, Susan

I'd use what the manufacturer calls them, in his usage.

"Spider" is a car model, I'd capitalize.

"Coupe" can be a general designation/attribute or a design, could be both.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Marius Hancu,

I believe that 'Spyder' is a trade name and is still capitalized, even when the entire name is not given.

When trade names become part of the public domain, then they are no longer capitalized. Thus, Aspirin is now aspirin, and Xerox is now xerox..

Maybe coupe was once capitalized, but it is just a regular noun now, so if you are referring to a class of car, which you are in your sentences, it should be lower cased.

Thanks - so a coupe, a spyder.

No, I'd say:

a coupe, a Spider

and I think Rachel agrees.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Marius Hancu,