Do You Capitalize “Common Cold”? Demystifying Disease Nomenclature
The term “common cold” is not capitalized in general writing unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence or is part of a proper noun. Whether or not to capitalize disease names can be confusing, but the rule of thumb is that you don’t capitalize most common illnesses.
The Grammar of Germs: Understanding Proper Nouns
The capitalization of medical terms, including disease names, largely depends on whether the term functions as a proper noun or a common noun. Proper nouns, which name specific, unique entities, are always capitalized. Common nouns, which refer to general classes of things, are not. The common cold falls squarely into the latter category.
- Proper Noun Examples: Alzheimer’s Disease (named after Alois Alzheimer), Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (named after Thomas Hodgkin), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (named after Edvard Ehlers and Henri-Alexandre Danlos).
- Common Noun Examples: Chickenpox, measles, influenza, and of course, the common cold.
Understanding this distinction is crucial to answering the question: Do You Capitalize “Common Cold”?.
Exceptions to the Rule: When Capitalization is Necessary
While the common cold is typically lowercase, there are specific situations where capitalization becomes necessary:
- Beginning of a Sentence: “The Common Cold is a highly contagious illness.”
- Part of a Title: “Combating the Common Cold: A Practical Guide.”
- Within a Medical Journal Article with Specific Style Guidelines: Certain publications may have specific rules regarding capitalization. Always refer to the publication’s style guide.
- When combined with a proper noun: For example, if a specific strain was named after a location, the location name would be capitalized (“New York common cold strain”).
Clarity and Consistency: Best Practices
Maintaining consistency in your writing is paramount. Once you’ve established a style for referring to the common cold (or any other disease), stick to it throughout the document. If you are writing for a particular organization or publication, always consult their style guide for specific guidelines.
Potential Confusions and Common Mistakes
Many writers mistakenly capitalize the common cold due to a general habit of capitalizing medical terms. This likely stems from the familiarity with diseases named after individuals (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.). Remember the core principle: if it’s a general disease, it likely should not be capitalized.
Quick Reference Guide: Capitalization Rules
| Term | Capitalization Required? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| common cold | No | Common noun; refers to a general class of illness. |
| Influenza | No | Common noun; refers to a general class of illness. |
| Alzheimer’s Disease | Yes | Proper noun; named after Alois Alzheimer. |
| Hodgkin’s Lymphoma | Yes | Proper noun; named after Thomas Hodgkin. |
| Measles | No | Common noun; refers to a general class of illness. |
| COVID-19 | Yes | Proper noun; is an acronym and specifically named disease. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it ever correct to capitalize “cold” when referring to the illness?
Yes, only when it appears at the beginning of a sentence or in a title, as with any other common noun. For example, “Cold symptoms can be alleviated with rest and fluids.” Otherwise, “cold” as in the common cold should not be capitalized.
Does the presence of other capitalized words in a sentence affect whether “common cold” should be capitalized?
No. The capitalization of other words in a sentence is irrelevant to whether the common cold should be capitalized. The rules for proper nouns remain the same, irrespective of other capitalization choices.
What if I’m writing in a specific medical field where different rules apply?
Always consult the style guide for that specific medical journal or publication. Some specialized fields may have their own internal guidelines regarding capitalization, which would supersede general grammar rules.
Is it necessary to capitalize “cold” if it’s being used as a euphemism?
No. Even if you’re using “cold” as a softer way to describe an illness, it still functions as a common noun and should not be capitalized unless it meets the criteria mentioned earlier (beginning of sentence, etc.).
Should I capitalize “flu” in the same way as “common cold”?
Yes, flu should be treated the same as the common cold. It’s a common noun referring to influenza, and therefore, should not be capitalized unless it meets the typical capitalization rules (start of a sentence or in a title).
What if I’m writing a list of diseases; should “common cold” be capitalized there?
If the list is presented in a sentence-case format (i.e., only the first word of each item is capitalized), then “common cold” should not be capitalized. However, if the list is in title case (all major words capitalized), then “Common Cold” would be capitalized.
Does capitalization change when referring to a specific type of cold virus (e.g., rhinovirus)?
No. Although rhinovirus is a scientific term, it still represents a general group of viruses responsible for the common cold. Only capitalize the genus and species name when using binomial nomenclature in a scientific context (e.g., Rhinovirus).
What about abbreviations like “URI” (Upper Respiratory Infection)? Should those be capitalized even though they relate to the common cold?
Yes. Abbreviations and acronyms, even when related to the common cold, are typically capitalized. URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) is an acronym and should be capitalized accordingly.
If I’m quoting someone who capitalizes “Common Cold,” should I change it?
This depends on the context. In journalistic or formal writing, it’s generally acceptable to correct the capitalization to adhere to standard grammatical rules. However, in certain academic or literary contexts, you might choose to preserve the original wording and note the inconsistency in a footnote or endnote, especially if the capitalization reflects the speaker’s intended meaning or personal style.
Are there any regional differences in the capitalization of “common cold”?
No. Grammatical rules are generally consistent across different English-speaking regions regarding the capitalization of common nouns like the common cold.
What if I’m writing for a younger audience; can I be more relaxed with capitalization?
Even when writing for a younger audience, it’s essential to maintain grammatical accuracy. Simplified language is acceptable, but misrepresenting capitalization rules can create confusion. Stick to the correct capitalization of the common cold.
Does using “the” before “common cold” affect capitalization?
No. The presence of the definite article “the” does not impact whether “common cold” should be capitalized. “The common cold is easily spread.” The capitalization rules are independent of article usage.