Which Words in a Title Should Be Capitalized?

When it comes to capitalization in titles, it can be difficult to know which words should and shouldn’t be capitalized. Fortunately, there are some basic rules to go by to ensure that your titles are correctly formatted.

When it comes to the title of a book, article, or any other published work, the first and last words of the title should always be capitalized. Additionally, all nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and subordinating conjunctions should be capitalized. This includes words like: and, but, as, if, and because.

When it comes to other words in the title, they should only be capitalized if they are proper nouns or are being used in a special sense. Examples of this will be if the working title references a specific name, place, or organization. In this case, those words should be capitalized.

It’s also important to note that capitalization rules can vary based on the style guide you are following. For example, the AP Style Guide recommends that all major words in a title be capitalized, while the Chicago Manual of Style recommends that only the first word of the title and any proper nouns or words used in a special sense should be capitalized.

By understanding these basic rules for capitalization in titles, you can ensure that your titles are correctly formatted and convey your intended message. 

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