
The T in T-shirt is capitalized because the shirt is bilaterally symmetric and shaped like a capital letter T. While T-shirt is the most common spelling, t-shirt is gaining ground and is considered acceptable.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Most common spelling | T-shirt |
Other spellings | tee shirt, tee-shirt, t-shirt |
Dictionaries' recommendations | T-shirt |
Safer choice | T-shirt |
Other forms considered | Not wrong |
Correct spelling | Depends on the style guide |
Shape | Like a capital letter "T" |
What You'll Learn
T-shirt is the original expression
The T-shirt is a ubiquitous piece of clothing in modern life, but how did it get its name? Well, it's quite simple: it's shaped like a capital letter "T". The T-shape of the garment is the rationale for its name.
The word "T-shirt" is a combination of a single letter and a hyphen, which can be seen as lopsided, with the weight of the word falling on "shirt". The capital "T" is justified by the shape of the garment, and the word is styled this way in most dictionaries. However, the styling of the word is not as straightforward as it may seem.
The original expression is "T-shirt", but other variants have emerged over time, including "t-shirt", "tee-shirt", and "tee shirt". While "T-shirt" is the predominant form, all variants are considered acceptable. The word can be styled in different ways depending on the context, such as in a title or in the middle of a sentence.
The evolution of the word's styling is an example of how language can change over time, even in a relatively short period. While "T-shirt" is the original expression, "t-shirt" is gaining ground and may become more common in the future.
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T-shirt is safer in formal writing
The T-shirt is a ubiquitous piece of clothing, but its spelling is not so straightforward. The garment is so-called because it is shaped like the letter 'T'. However, the question of whether to capitalise the 'T' in 'T-shirt' is a complex one.
The most common spelling of this word is "T-shirt", with a capital "T" and a hyphen. This is the form recommended by most dictionaries and is the most common in edited writing throughout the English-speaking world. The capital "T" is justified by the fact that the shirt is shaped like a capital "T", not a lower-case "t". Using a capital letter also helps the reader to comprehend that the letter is being referred to, rather than pronounced, in the same way that we write "A-frame", "C-clamp", "J-curve", and so on.
However, "t-shirt" (with a lower-case "t") is gaining ground and is considered acceptable by some sources. This may be because, in the English language, it is more common to follow normal sentence capitalisation and not capitalise in the middle of a sentence, even if the word refers to a proper noun. For example, one would not usually write "Shirt" in the middle of a sentence, and so it may feel inconsistent to some to write "T-shirt".
In formal writing, it is probably safer to stick to the more common "T-shirt" spelling, as this is the form that most people will be familiar with and expect to see. This is especially true if you are writing for a school assignment or exam, as "T-shirt" is considered the "safer" option and is less likely to be marked as incorrect.
However, it is worth noting that neither spelling is considered strictly incorrect, and you may choose to use "t-shirt" in less formal contexts or if you have a strong preference for this spelling. Ultimately, the choice is up to you as a writer, and you may even choose to avoid using the word "T-shirt" altogether if you find its spelling ugly or awkward!
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T-shirt is more common in edited writing
The "T-shirt" vs. "t-shirt" debate has been a topic of discussion for years, with people arguing for both sides. While "T-shirt" is the more common spelling in edited writing, "t-shirt" is gaining ground and is often used in everyday writing.
The Case for "T-Shirt" in Edited Writing
"T-shirt" is the more common spelling in edited writing for several reasons. Firstly, most dictionaries recommend "T-shirt" as the standard spelling. This may be because it is a proper noun, referring to a specific type of shirt, and proper nouns are typically capitalised in English. Additionally, the shirt is named after the capital letter "T" due to its shape, so capitalising the "T" makes sense.
Another reason for the prevalence of "T-shirt" in edited writing could be that it is simply more visually striking and easier to spot when capitalised. In a sentence like, "I wore my new T-shirt to the party," the capital "T" draws attention to the word and makes it stand out. This can be especially important in advertising or marketing copy, where the goal is to make the product name memorable.
The Evolution of "t-shirt"
While "T-shirt" may be the standard spelling in edited writing, "t-shirt" is becoming increasingly popular. One reason for this could be that "t-shirt" follows normal sentence capitalisation rules. In the middle of a sentence, it would feel odd to capitalise the "s" in "shirt," so "t-shirt" makes more sense. For example, "I wore my new t-shirt to the party, and it was very comfortable." Here, the lowercase "t" follows the standard capitalisation rules for words in the middle of a sentence.
Another argument for "t-shirt" is that it feels more balanced than "T-shirt." With "T-shirt," all the weight seems to be on "shirt," and the "T" feels like an afterthought. "t-shirt," on the other hand, gives equal weight to both parts of the word. Additionally, the hyphen in "T-shirt" can feel lopsided, especially when used in titles or headlines where different capitalisation styles come into play.
Ultimately, there is no definitive right or wrong answer when it comes to "T-shirt" or "t-shirt." Both spellings have their advantages and are widely used. "T-shirt" may be more common in edited writing, but "t-shirt" is gaining ground and is often preferred in casual or everyday writing. As with many aspects of language, the "T-shirt" vs. "t-shirt" debate is subject to change over time, and it will be interesting to see how these spellings evolve in the future.
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t-shirt is gaining ground
The "T-shirt" debate has been ongoing for years, with varying opinions on the "correct" way to write the word. While "T-shirt" is the more common spelling, with most dictionaries recommending it and it being the most prevalent in edited writing, "t-shirt" is gaining ground.
The discussion surrounding the "T-shirt" vs. "t-shirt" dilemma centres on capitalization. Some argue that capitalizing the "T" helps readers understand that the letter itself is being referred to, not the sound, as in "A-frame," "C-clamp," or "X-ray." This is especially relevant when considering the shape of a capital "T" more closely resembles the shape of the T-shirt itself.
However, supporters of "t-shirt" point out that normal sentence capitalization is followed. They argue that one wouldn't write "Shirt" in the middle of a sentence just because it refers to a shirt. Additionally, the lowercase "t" is more common in everyday writing, and the frequency of the item may explain the preference for lowercase.
While "T-shirt" might be the safer choice in formal or academic settings, "t-shirt" is increasingly accepted and not considered incorrect. Ultimately, both spellings convey the same meaning, and the preference may come down to personal style or context.
As language evolves, it's interesting to see how these spelling variations play out and how different forms gain acceptance over time.
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T-shirt is shaped like a capital T
The T-shirt, a ubiquitous piece of clothing, is so-called because of its resemblance to the letter 'T'. The capitalisation of the letter is important, as only a capital 'T' accurately reflects the shape of the T-shirt. A lower-case 't' would be more akin to a turtleneck, with its extending bits that reach above the 'arms'.
The T-shirt is a collarless, short-sleeved or sleeveless, usually cotton undershirt. It can also be worn as an outer shirt. The T-shirt is a simple garment, and so it makes sense that it takes its name from the simplest letter of the alphabet, in both shape and sound. The T-shirt is named after the letter, rather than simply resembling it; one could argue that all shirts with sleeves look somewhat like a 'T', but the T-shirt alone has earned this moniker.
The T-shirt is a garment with a long history, dating back to around 1900, and its name has been spelled and capitalised in various ways over the years. While "T-shirt" is the predominant form, other spellings are also considered acceptable, including "t-shirt", "tee-shirt", and "tee shirt". The capitalisation of the letter "T" is a nod to the origin of the T-shirt's name, and it is useful for distinguishing it from other types of shirts, such as the Henley or the polo.
The T-shirt is a classic, casual piece of clothing, and its name is a fun example of the simplicity and directness of the English language.
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Frequently asked questions
'T-shirt' is capitalized because the shirt is bilaterally symmetric and shaped like a capital letter "T".
Yes, it is correct to write "T-shirt" with a lowercase "t". While "T-shirt" is the more common spelling, "t-shirt" is gaining ground and is considered acceptable.
In English, the general rule is to capitalize the first letter of a sentence and the first letter of a proper noun. So, if "T-shirt" is the first word of your sentence, then you should capitalize it. If you are referring to a specific T-shirt, such as the "Nike T-Shirt," then you would also capitalize the "T".
Some other ways to spell "T-shirt" include "tee shirt," "tee-shirt," and "t shirt." While these variations exist, "T-shirt" and "t-shirt" are the most common spellings.
No, it is not correct to write "T shirt" with a space between "T" and "shirt." The accepted spellings are "T-shirt" (with a hyphen) or "t-shirt" (with a hyphen and a lowercase "t").