1 Topic by Dirk B. (edited by Dirk B. 2019-07-07 22:25:32)

Topic: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

I've looked up capitalization for the title Secretary of State. Some style manuals recommend capitalizing prestigious titles, including this one. However, is the title still capitalized when you shorten it to secretary? Note that in the paragraph below, director general is, technically, also a prestigious title. He's the most senior officer in Italy's national police force. It seems goofy to capitalize secretary but not director general, although that's a slippery slope.

De Rosa said, “I have to update the Vatican. The Secretary of State is awaiting my call.” He pulled out his cell phone and stepped away. He returned a few minutes later and addressed Campagna. “The secretary has informed me that he and your director general have already been in touch this morning about how to proceed if it’s the cardinal's body. You should expect a call momentarily.”

Thanks
Dirk

Quote Post 1

2 Reply by Randall Krzak (edited by Randall Krzak 2019-06-12 14:55:59)

Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

Hey Dirk,

This is from the Chicago Manual of Style (used by many agents and publishers), section 8.22 civil titles: "Much of the usage below is contradicted by the official literature typically generated by political offices, where capitalization of a title in any position is the norm (see 8.20). In formal prose, however, civil titles are capitalized only when used as part of the name (except as noted)." Here's the specific one you want:

"the secretary of state; John Kerry, secretary of state; Secretary of State Kerry or Secretary Kerry". This seems to indicate you should use secretary.

Hope this helps, Regards, Randall

Quote Post 2

Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

I remember this lesson from class. Capitalize the title when addressing the person, as in
Good morning, President Johnson.  OR  Good morning, Secretary Kissinger.  But as you can see, to use the entire title in addressing him would be too cumbersome for natural-sounding dialogue.
When talking or writing about the person in office, do not capitalize. For example
The president picked up his dog by its ears.  OR  The Secretary of state played the press like a violin.

The only times I can think of in which the title is capitalized might be when you're writing a list of past or possible secretaries of state, or when you're painting the title on his/her office door.

Quote Post 3

Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

Thank you, both.

Quote Post 4

Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

I agree with most of that, but when the title is used in lieu of the name, it should be capitalized.  As in the example, "The Secretary has informed me," as that is the equivalent of saying "Mrs. Clinton has informed me."  (Sorry for the example, but she's the only secretary of state who sticks in my mind. Well, her and Kissinger.)

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Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

Whaddaya mean they don't stick in your mind, Rachel? Thomas Jefferson was the firstest and bestest Secretary of State we've ever had or will ever have. Wait... He WAS a bit of a slave-owning/agrarian douchebag, wasn't he? History is rarely kind and chock full of second guessing, but when it IS kind? Well, it still cuts like a knife. Kissinger and Clinton, for example, did their level best to promote peace and de-escalate international tensions but they will both be remembered for their diplomatic fuckups rather than...

Shit. This thread was initially about capitalization. Sorry. I'll find my way out and continue talking to myself...

Quote Post 6

Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

Well, let's see...there was John Foster Dulles of airport fame,
and Madelyn, you know, what's-her-name,
and the one who went hunting and shot his friend.
I guess it's true what I've heard them say
Applies to both VP and Secretary of State
Take office, and you're never heard from again.

Quote Post 7

Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

It seems to me, Chicago Manual of Style notwithstanding, that Secretary of State is a unique title - there is only one of those at a time - with unique duties. You can be a "general," but General of the Army is a specific title that means a 5-star general. A "a general of the Army" can be any general of 1-4 star rank. Lower case secretary of state suggests the person is a secretary of a state (which one?)  with nebulous duties. So unless my publisher nixes it, I would capitalize it, even standing alone without a name attached.

Quote Post 8

Re: Capitalization of Secretary of State? - Capitalization

Thank you, Jack.

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