<p>My question involves the capitalization of a shortened version of a proper noun. For this discussion, let’s say the specific communication is in an official document—perhaps the website or other official document/communication. The proper noun has been referenced previously and is understood. “ABC University believes strongly…” and later it’s referred to as the University. Is University in the later reference (but still the same communication) capitalized? It is a shortened version of the proper name and refers to the institution as a whole.
“The Board of Directors says…” is Board capitalized later? Or is just ‘board’? </p>
<p>“The Marine Corps has a storied history…” Is Corps capitalized later? Or is it ‘corps’? </p>
<p>“Rolling Brook School District is located…” Is District capitalized in later sentences or is it just ‘district’. Like this: “If you have questions about the District, please contact the administration at…”?</p>
<p>Not sure if there is a ‘rule’ or if it’s just style preference and should, therefore, be consistent.
Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I have a pet peeve against creeping capitalization. There’s no reason that university would be capitalized in your example. Or district.</p>
<p>I looked up various categories in my mid-'90s AP stylebook. In the military academies entry, it says to capitalize all of their full names and to retain capitalization if the U.S. is dropped but to lowercase academy when it stands alone, so the U.S. Naval Academy, the Naval Academy and the academy.</p>
<p>I also “grew up” on the AP Style Book. (But now follow the Washington Post style since that is what I read every day.)</p>
<p>But, generally, yes. A “thing” is lower case (board, school district, etc.) unless the name of the thing precedes it: Presidential Promotion Board, Newcity School District, etc.</p>
<p>Seems fairly common to secondarily refer to the District of Columbia as the “District” (as opposed to the “district”…) Tried to find my old manual, but had no luck. There must be a correct answer, but I must admit I see it both ways. Where are the English teachers when we need them?!</p>
<p>Found this on grammar site
Rule 10
You may capitalize words such as department, bureau, and office if you have prepared your text in the following way:</p>
<p>Example:
The Bureau of Land Management (Bureau) has some jurisdiction over Indian lands. The Bureau is finding its administrative role to be challenging.</p>