Quick Answer
It depends on the guide. Chicago and MLA capitalize "If" because it is a subordinating conjunction, and both lowercase only the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, or, nor). APA and AP keep "if" lowercase mid-title, because both lowercase conjunctions of three letters or fewer. Every guide capitalizes "If" when it is the first word, the last word, or the word directly after a colon.
You can also paste any title into the free title case converter at the top of the page to apply these rules automatically.
Understanding when to capitalize words in titles is key to crafting polished headlines. The rule for 'if' and other short words in titles depends on which style guide you follow.
Capitalize 'If' in Most Styles
In Chicago, MLA, and APA styles, you usually capitalize words that are longer than three letters. This means 'if' is not capitalized because it only has two letters. However, always capitalize 'if' when it's the first or last word in a title; these spots are special.
AP Style Has a Different Approach
AP style is a bit different. It asks you to capitalize all words that are more than three letters. So even though 'if' is only two letters, you'll capitalize it if it's a verb, adverb, noun, or adjective. Since 'if' can be a conjunction, it usually stays lowercase in AP style.
Examples in Titles
Consider the title "If Tomorrow Comes." In Chicago, MLA, and APA, 'If' is capitalized because it's the first word. In a title like "My Life: If Only I Knew," 'If' is not capitalized in Chicago, MLA, and APA styles because it's neither the first nor last word. But in AP style, you'd still lowercase it since it's a conjunction.
Pay close attention to these rules when you write your titles. Capitalizing words correctly makes your writing look professional and shows you pay attention to detail.
remember that the treatment of the word 'if' in titles depends on the style guide you are following. In APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, 'if' is typically not capitalized because it's considered a conjunction and is only two letters long. However, the AP style capitalizes 'if' in titles, as it does with all words that are more than three letters. So next time you're crafting a title, check your style guide and capitalize accordingly. continue to sharpen those writing skills for clear, professional titles!
For a deeper breakdown of how each guide handles capitalization, see the title case styles guide.
