Do you capitalize who in a title? This is a common question among writers and editors, especially when it comes to proper grammar and style. Understanding when to capitalize “who” in a title can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and readability of your work.
Titles play a crucial role in grabbing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the content. However, the rules for capitalizing words in titles can vary depending on the style guide you follow. In this article, we will explore the various scenarios in which “who” should be capitalized in a title and provide some examples to illustrate these rules.
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that “who” is typically treated as a pronoun when used in a title. As a pronoun, “who” should be capitalized when it is the first word in the title or when it is used as the main subject of the title. For instance, in the title “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, the word “Who” is capitalized because it is the first word and the main subject of the title.
On the other hand, if “who” is used as an object or follows another noun, it should not be capitalized. For example, in the title “The Book of Who: A Comprehensive Guide to Characters in Fiction,” the word “Who” is not capitalized because it follows the noun “Book of” and is not the main subject of the title.
Additionally, when “who” is used in a question or as part of a question within a title, it should be capitalized. For instance, in the title “Who’s Responsible for the Mess?” the word “Who’s” is capitalized because it is the first word in the title and is part of a question.
It’s important to note that style guides, such as the APA, MLA, and Chicago, may have specific rules regarding the capitalization of “who” in titles. While APA and MLA typically follow the rules mentioned above, the Chicago Manual of Style takes a more lenient approach and suggests capitalizing “who” only when it is the first word in the title or when it is used as the main subject.
In conclusion, whether or not to capitalize “who” in a title depends on its role within the title and the style guide you are following. By understanding these rules and applying them consistently, you can ensure that your titles are grammatically correct and visually appealing.
