Are Be Verbs Capitalized In Titles

Titles often follow specific capitalization rules, and understanding these rules ensures clarity and professionalism in writing. One common question that arises is whether "be" verbs should be capitalized in titles. "Be" verbs, which include forms of "to be" such as is, are, was, were, am, being, and been, play a crucial role in sentence structure. Whether or not to capitalize them depends on the style guide you are following. This article will explore the capitalization rules for "be" verbs in titles, covering different style guides and providing clear examples.

Introduction

Capitalization in titles is governed by various style guides, each with its own set of rules. The primary goal of these rules is to maintain consistency and readability. Knowing whether to capitalize "be" verbs in titles involves understanding the guidelines set forth by these style authorities. This article delves into the capitalization rules provided by major style guides like the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS), and Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook. We'll also discuss general conventions and exceptions to help you navigate this aspect of title capitalization effectively.

Overview of Title Case

Title case is a style of capitalization where most words in a title are capitalized. However, not all words are treated equally. Generally, nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs are capitalized. The words that are typically not capitalized are articles, coordinating conjunctions, and prepositions—unless they are the first or last word of the title. This section breaks down the basic rules of title case to provide a solid foundation before diving into the specifics of "be" verbs.

General Rules for Title Case

1. Capitalize the First and Last Word: Regardless of the word's part of speech, always capitalize the first and last word of the title.
2. Capitalize Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Adjectives, and Adverbs: These are the main content words that carry significant meaning.
3. Lowercase Articles (a, an, the): Articles are usually lowercase unless they are the first or last word of the title.
4. Lowercase Coordinating Conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet): These words connect clauses or phrases.
5. Lowercase Prepositions (e.g., in, on, at, to, from, with): Prepositions show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence.

Examples of Correct Title Case

• "The Art of War and Peace"
• "What Is Love and Why Does It Hurt?"
• "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"
• "The Importance of Being Earnest"

Capitalization Rules According to Style Guides

Different style guides have specific rules regarding the capitalization of "be" verbs in titles. The AP Stylebook, CMoS, and MLA Handbook are three of the most widely used style guides, each offering distinct guidance.

Associated Press (AP) Stylebook

The AP Stylebook is commonly used in journalism and news writing. According to the AP Stylebook, "be" verbs are generally not capitalized in titles unless they are the first or last word of the title.

• Rule: Lowercase "be" verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) in titles.
• Exception: Capitalize "be" verbs if they are the first or last word of the title.

Examples in AP Style

• Correct: "The Book Is on the Table"
• Correct: "Being Earnest Matters"
• Correct: "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?"
• Correct: "The Question Was Answered"
• Correct: "Are You Ready?"

Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS)

The Chicago Manual of Style is widely used in book publishing and academic writing. CMoS has a more lenient approach compared to the AP Stylebook. It recommends capitalizing all verbs, including "be" verbs, in titles.

• Rule: Capitalize all verbs, including "be" verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been), in titles.
• Exception: None, unless the word is part of a phrase that is always lowercased (e.g., vs., etc.).

Examples in CMoS

• Correct: "The Book Is on the Table"
• Correct: "Being Earnest Matters"
• Correct: "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?"
• Correct: "The Question Was Answered"
• Correct: "Are You Ready?"

Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook

The MLA Handbook is commonly used in humanities disciplines, such as literature and languages. MLA follows similar rules to CMoS, advising that all verbs, including "be" verbs, should be capitalized in titles.

• Rule: Capitalize all verbs, including "be" verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been), in titles.
• Exception: None, unless the word is part of a phrase that is always lowercased.

Examples in MLA Style

• Correct: "The Book Is on the Table"
• Correct: "Being Earnest Matters"
• Correct: "What Is It Like to Be* a Bat?"
• Correct: "The Question Was Answered"
• Correct: "Are You Ready?"

Comparing Style Guide Rules

Examples and Explanations

To further clarify, let's examine more examples of how "be" verbs are capitalized in titles according to the different style guides.

More Examples in AP Style

1. "How to Be a Successful Entrepreneur"
2. "The Importance of Being Earnest"
3. "Why the Sky Is Blue"
4. "Where Were You Last Night?"
5. "Is That All There Is?"

More Examples in CMoS and MLA Style

1. "How to Be a Successful Entrepreneur"
2. "The Importance of Being Earnest"
3. "Why the Sky Is Blue"
4. "Where Were You Last Night?"
5. "Is That All There Is?"

Exceptions and Special Cases

While the general rules provide a solid foundation, certain exceptions and special cases can complicate title capitalization. These include hyphenated words, titles within titles, and specific word usages.

Hyphenated Words

When a "be" verb is part of a hyphenated word, the capitalization depends on its role within the compound word:

• If the hyphenated word functions as a single adjective or noun, follow the general rules.
  • Example: "The Well-Being of Students" (CMoS and MLA: both parts capitalized)
• If the "be" verb is part of a phrasal verb within the hyphenated word, follow the appropriate style guide.

Titles Within Titles

When a title contains another title, the capitalization of the inner title should follow the same rules as any other title.

• Example: "Analyzing 'To Be or Not to Be'" (AP Style: "Be" is lowercase)
• Example: "Analyzing 'To Be or Not to Be'" (CMoS and MLA: "Be" is capitalized)

Special Word Usages

Certain words may function differently based on context. For instance, "be" can be part of an infinitive phrase or a verb phrase.

• Infinitive Phrase: "To Be or Not to Be" (Here, "be" is part of the infinitive "to be")
• Verb Phrase: "I Want to Be Honest" (Here, "be" functions as a verb)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Capitalization: Sticking to one style guide throughout a document is crucial. Mixing AP and CMoS styles can lead to confusion and inconsistency.
2. Overlooking Style Guide Rules: Always refer to the specific style guide being used to ensure accuracy.
3. Ignoring Exceptions: Being aware of exceptions, such as titles within titles or hyphenated words, is important for correct capitalization.
4. Forgetting the First and Last Word Rule: Always capitalize the first and last word of a title, regardless of its part of speech.

Tools and Resources for Title Capitalization

Several online tools and resources can assist in correctly capitalizing titles. These tools are especially helpful for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of different style guides.

Online Title Case Converters

• Title Case Converter: This tool allows users to input a title and convert it to title case according to various style guides, including AP, MLA, and Chicago.
• Capitalize My Title: Similar to Title Case Converter, this tool offers options for different style guides and provides explanations for the capitalization rules.

Style Guide Websites and Manuals

• The Associated Press Stylebook: The official AP Stylebook website offers access to the latest guidelines and updates.
• The Chicago Manual of Style Online: This online version provides comprehensive access to the CMoS rules and recommendations.
• MLA Handbook: The MLA Handbook is available in print and digital formats, offering detailed guidance on style and formatting.

Practical Tips for Consistent Capitalization

1. Choose a Style Guide: Decide on a style guide (e.g., AP, CMoS, MLA) before starting to write and stick to it consistently.
2. Consult the Style Guide Regularly: Refer to the chosen style guide whenever questions arise to ensure accuracy.
3. Use Capitalization Tools: Utilize online title case converters to quickly and accurately capitalize titles according to the selected style guide.
4. Create a Style Sheet: Develop a personal style sheet or checklist to keep track of specific capitalization rules and exceptions relevant to your writing.
5. Proofread Carefully: Always proofread titles and headings to catch any capitalization errors before finalizing the document.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency in capitalization, particularly in titles, is essential for maintaining a professional and polished appearance in writing. Inconsistent capitalization can distract readers and undermine the credibility of the work. Whether it's a research paper, news article, or blog post, adhering to a consistent style guide demonstrates attention to detail and enhances the overall quality of the writing.

Readability and Clarity

Consistent capitalization improves readability by providing clear visual cues to readers. When titles and headings are consistently capitalized, readers can quickly identify the main points and structure of the text.

Professionalism and Credibility

Following established style guidelines demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Consistent capitalization signals that the writer is knowledgeable and cares about presenting information in a clear and accurate manner.

Branding and Identity

For organizations and publications, consistent capitalization contributes to branding and identity. By adhering to a specific style guide, they maintain a consistent voice and image across all their written materials.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to capitalize "be" verbs in titles depends largely on the style guide you follow. The AP Stylebook generally advises against capitalizing "be" verbs unless they are the first or last word of the title, while the Chicago Manual of Style and MLA Handbook recommend capitalizing all verbs, including "be" verbs. Understanding these differences and adhering to a chosen style guide ensures consistency and professionalism in your writing. By following the rules and guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate the complexities of title capitalization and produce clear, accurate, and polished titles.