Is to Capitalized in a Title MLA: Understanding the Rules and Exceptions
In the realm of academic writing, proper formatting and citation are crucial to maintaining credibility and professionalism. One common question that arises in this context is whether the phrase “is to” should be capitalized in a title formatted according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the capitalization rules for the phrase “is to” in MLA titles, including exceptions and best practices.
Understanding MLA Title Capitalization Rules
The MLA style guide emphasizes the use of title case for titles in academic papers. Title case involves capitalizing the first letter of each major word, including nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. However, not all words in a title are subject to capitalization. The following guidelines can help determine whether “is to” should be capitalized in an MLA title:
1. Capitalize the first word of the title.
2. Capitalize all nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
3. Do not capitalize articles (a, an, the), conjunctions (and, but, or), or prepositions (in, on, at) unless they are the first word in the title or part of a hyphenated compound.
Is “Is to” Capitalized in MLA Titles?
Based on these guidelines, the phrase “is to” should generally be lowercased in an MLA title. “Is” is a verb, and “to” is a preposition. As mentioned earlier, prepositions are typically not capitalized unless they are the first word in the title or part of a hyphenated compound. Since “is to” does not meet these exceptions, it should be lowercase in MLA titles.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the general rule is to lowercase “is to” in MLA titles, there are a few exceptions to consider:
1. If “is to” is part of a hyphenated compound, both words should be capitalized. For example, “is-to-be” or “to-be-considered” would be capitalized.
2. In certain contexts, “is to” may be part of a proper noun or a title that requires capitalization. In such cases, both words should be capitalized. For example, “The Is to Be Conference” or “To Be or Not to Be: Hamlet’s Dilemma.”
Best Practices for MLA Title Capitalization
To ensure accuracy and consistency in MLA title capitalization, consider the following best practices:
1. Review the MLA style guide or consult a reliable source for specific examples and guidelines.
2. Pay attention to the context in which “is to” appears, as exceptions may apply.
3. Use a style checker or proofreading tool to identify any capitalization errors.
4. Seek guidance from a mentor or instructor if you are unsure about the capitalization of a particular phrase.
In conclusion, “is to” should generally be lowercase in MLA titles, following the standard title case rules. However, exceptions may apply in certain contexts. By understanding these rules and best practices, you can ensure that your MLA titles are formatted correctly and professionally.
