Writing & StyleStyle guide

Email Capitalization

The generic word “email” is normally lowercase in running text and is not hyphenated in Microsoft style. Capitalize “Email” only when ordinary sentence or heading position requires it, or when a proper name or interface label has its own casing.

Quick answer

Write “email” lowercase in ordinary running text. Capitalize it at the start of a sentence or heading, or when a proper name/interface label requires different casing.

Key details

Core Issuecapitalization of the generic word email
Microsoft Styleemail is lowercase in running text; Email at the beginning of a sentence or heading; never e-mail
Scopeordinary capitalization and UI/proper-name context still apply

Important caveats

Position Boundary

Initial capitalization is normal at the beginning of a sentence or heading and does not make “Email” a generally capitalized common noun.

Further guidance

Running Text

Microsoft uses the unhyphenated lowercase form “email” in ordinary running text.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. email — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Microsoft house style for email spelling and capitalization

Explore the topic