Should I capitalize the cardinal direction in phrases like 'western Chicago' and 'northern Sumatra'?

Asked Oct 31 '17 at 14:55

Active Oct 31 '17 at 14:55

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To the best of my knowledge, we should capitalize cardinal directions in phrases that refer to a region commonly referred to by that phrase; for example: Eastern Europe and Western Hemisphere.

However, I don't know whether we should capitalize cardinal directions in spontaneously constructed phrases that refer to a region; for example: western Chicago and northern Sumatra. Should the cardinal directions in these phrases be capitalized?

asked Oct 31 '17 at 14:55

Hal

2,024

I think it is a duplicate. The answer is basically "If it's an existing proper noun, capitalize, otherwise don't" – Max Williams Oct 31 '17 at 15:04
1

Of related interest: How should “Northern Europe” be capitalized?, East Coast, East coast, or east coast?, and Should the cardinal directions be capitalized when used as an adjective?, among others. – choster Oct 31 '17 at 15:14

Should I capitalize the cardinal direction in phrases like 'western Chicago' and 'northern Sumatra'?

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