"Can" is a modal verb (sometimes a noun in other contexts, but in titles it almost always functions as a verb). Verbs are always capitalized in title case. The short answer: yes, capitalize "Can" in any title position across every major style guide.
This guide covers how Chicago, MLA, APA, AP, AMA, the New York Times, Wikipedia, and Bluebook each treat "can", with real examples and the common mistakes that trip writers up.
Quick Reference: "Can" by Style Guide
| Style Guide | Capitalize "Can"? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago (CMOS) | Yes | Verbs are always capitalized in title case |
| APA (7th edition) | Yes | Verbs are always capitalized regardless of length |
| MLA | Yes | Verbs are principal words |
| AP (Associated Press) | Yes | Verbs are capitalized; the 4-letter rule does not apply to verbs |
| AMA | Yes | Verbs are major words |
| New York Times | Yes | Verbs capitalized in headlines |
| Wikipedia | Yes | Verbs are major words in article titles |
| Bluebook | Yes | Verbs capitalized in case names and brief titles |
Across every major style, "Can" is capitalized in any title position. Pronouns, verbs, and conjunctions of 4+ letters are principal words and never get lowercased.
Chicago Manual of Style
Chicago capitalizes verbs in headline-style titles. "Can" is a verb, capitalized in any position.
MLA Style
MLA capitalizes verbs as principal words. "Can" stays capitalized regardless of length.
APA Style
APA capitalizes verbs regardless of length. The 4-letter shortcut only applies to conjunctions, prepositions, and articles. "Can" is always capitalized.
AP Style
AP capitalizes verbs in headlines. The 4-letter rule does not lowercase verbs. "Can" is always capitalized.
AMA Style
AMA treats verbs as major words. "Can" is capitalized in any AMA title position.
New York Times Style
The Times capitalizes verbs in headlines as principal words. "Can" is capitalized in every NYT headline that uses it.
Wikipedia Manual of Style
Wikipedia capitalizes verbs as major words. "Can" is capitalized in any Wikipedia article title.
Bluebook (Legal Writing)
Bluebook capitalizes verbs in case names, brief titles, and law-review article titles. "Can" is capitalized in legal writing.
Real Titles That Use "Can"
- Yes We Can by Barack Obama campaign slogan. Verb mid-title.
- How Can I Help You. Verb after how.
- What Can Brown Do for You by UPS slogan. Verb mid-title.
- Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella. First word.
Common Mistakes
The two recurring mistakes with "can" are lowercasing it because it has only three letters, and treating it as a noun rather than a verb. In a title, "can" almost always functions as a verb, and verbs stay capitalized regardless of length. "How Can I Help You" is correct in every style.
Apply the Rules Automatically
Paste your title into the free title case converter at the top of the page. Pick your style and the tool handles "can" along with every other word in the title.
