Ever wonder about the little words in a title and how they fit into the big picture of proper capitalization? Well, you’re not alone! Capitalizing titles can be a tricky business, especially when dealing with words like ‘behind’. It might seem small, but its placement can make all the difference. In the world of style guides like Chicago, MLA, APA, and AP, each has its unique rules that determine the fate of such words. Do they stand tall in caps or stay low in small letters? Let’s clear up the confusion and put this question to rest once and for all.
In title casing, smaller words like ‘behind’ typically remain in lowercase, unless it’s the first or last word. Various style guides—including Chicago, MLA, APA, and AP style—follow this practice. Yet, always remember to consult specific guidelines as exceptions may occur.
When you’re brushing up your title for that perfect look, you might pause at words like ‘behind’. Should you capitalize them? It’s a common question and the answer depends on the style guide you’re using.
Capitalization in Major Style Guides
In Chicago, MLA (Modern Language Association), and APA (American Psychological Association) styles, capitalization rules for titles are pretty similar. They say that major words in titles should be capitalized. This usually includes nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Prepositions, like ‘behind’, are generally not capitalized unless they are part or the first or the last word in the title.
The AP (Associated Press) style has a different approach. It suggests capitalizing words with four or more letters. Since ‘behind’ has six characters, it would be capitalized in AP style.
Examples in Practice
Let’s apply these rules so you can see them in action:
- Chicago/MLA/APA: “The Mystery Behind the Closed Doors” or “Secrets Behind the Curtain” (Capitalized because it’s the first word)
- AP: “The Mystery Behind the Closed Doors” (Capitalized because it’s more than three letters)
Remember, each style guide might have slight nuances. Always double-check the specific rules for your chosen format.
Conclusion
So, when you’re deciding whether ‘behind’ should start with a big letter in your title, remember the rules of the style you’re using. In APA, MLA, Chicago, and AP guidelines, small words like ‘behind’ usually stay lowercase unless they’re the first or last word. With just six letters, ‘behind’ often doesn’t make the cut for capitalization. But double-check the guidelines of your specific style to be sure you’re on track. Thanks for sticking with this guide – you’re now equipped to polish titles like a pro!
Want to learn about more specific capitalization rules for words?
