Learning objective
Type capital letters by holding Shift with the opposite little finger, without breaking your rhythm.
The opposite-Shift rule
There are two Shift keys, one at each end of the bottom row. The basic rule of touch typing is to hold Shift with the little finger of the opposite hand to the letter you are capitalising:
- For a capital letter typed with the left hand, such as T, A or S, hold the right Shift.
- For a capital letter typed with the right hand, such as J, M or P, hold the left Shift.
Using the opposite hand means the hand typing the letter stays in its normal position. Using the same hand forces it to stretch and twist, which is slower and causes mistakes.
Timing Shift correctly
- Press and hold Shift with the opposite little finger.
- Press the letter with its usual finger.
- Release both, and return your little finger to its home key.
The two most common timing problems are releasing Shift too early (giving a lowercase letter) and releasing it too late (capitalising the next letter as well, as in "THe"). Practise slowly until the sequence is automatic.
When to use Caps Lock
Caps Lock switches every letter to uppercase until you press it again. It is useful for a run of capitals, such as a heading or an abbreviation of several letters, but not for single capital letters. Check the Caps Lock light if your typing suddenly appears in capitals, and remember that it does not affect numbers or punctuation.
Practice exercises
Exercise: Left and right Shift
Line 1 of 4Line 1 uses right Shift (left-hand capitals), line 2 uses left Shift (right-hand capitals). Then mix them.
Practice line: Tea Ada Sara Fred Grace
Exercise: Capitals in sentences
Line 1 of 4Each sentence starts with a capital and includes a name or place. Keep a steady rhythm.
Practice line: My friend Anna lives in York.
Common mistakes
Always using the same Shift key.
Say "opposite hand" to yourself before each capital until it becomes a habit.
Two capitals in a row, as in "THe".
Release Shift as soon as the capital letter is pressed. Slow down on capitals for a few sessions.
Leaving Caps Lock on by accident.
If a whole word comes out in capitals, check the Caps Lock light, turn it off and correct the word.
Hesitating before every capital.
That is normal at first. The capital drills above will make the movement smooth over time.
Medium and Advanced passages in the English typing test include more capitals. After each test the heatmap shows missed capitals on the letter key, so you can see whether Shift timing is a problem for you.
Check yourself
A quick quiz on the key points of this lesson. Score 3 out of 3 to earn a "Quiz passed" mark, saved only on this device.
Answer every question to check your answers.