Reference number: CH001053

Should I capitalize the "i" in Internet and use a hyphen in e-mail?

Question:

Should I capitalize the "i" in Internet and use a hyphen in e-mail?

Answer:

Internet

The Internet is considered a proper noun and in English almost all proper nouns begin with a capital letter. Therefore when referring to the Internet, a global interconnected network of computers and not a simple inter-network of a few computers you should always capitalize the first letter.

e-mail

This term is short for electronic mail and today is accepted as both e-mail and email. However, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and many other reputable sources the correct spelling is: e-mail and because e-mail is two different words: electronic and mail.  We agree.

Additional information:

• See our Internet and e-mail dictionary definition for additional information about each of these terms and related links.