General Rules:
* Before a name: Capitalize professional titles when they come *before* a name.
* After a name: Do not capitalize professional titles when they come *after* a name.
Examples:
* Correct: "Dr. Smith is a wonderful physician."
* Incorrect: "Dr. Smith is a wonderful Doctor."
* Correct: "The social worker, Ms. Jones, is helping our family."
* Incorrect: "The Social Worker, Ms. Jones, is helping our family."
Exceptions and Considerations:
* Formal vs. Informal: In very formal writing (like academic papers or legal documents), you might always capitalize professional titles, even after the name. But in general writing, the rules above apply.
* Respect: Always use courtesy and respect when referring to someone's profession, regardless of capitalization.
* Specific Titles: Some titles, like "President" or "Senator," are always capitalized, even when used after a name (e.g., "The President of the United States").
Tips:
* Use a style guide: If you're writing for a specific organization or publication, consult their style guide for guidance on capitalization.
* Use common sense: If you're unsure, it's usually safer to err on the side of capitalization.
Let me know if you have any specific examples you'd like help with!