Is “be” capitalized in a title? The consensus among major style guides is that you should capitalize “be” because it is a verb. Keep on reading to find out if the style guide you are following also has the word “be” capitalized in a title.
Related:
Title Capitalization Rules per Style Guide
“Be” connects nouns, phrases, and adjectives. Different style guides consider it (and other verbs) as major words and thus get a capitalization treatment.
To understand this rule thoroughly, let’s explore what major style guides say about capitalizing “be” in titles.
Chicago Manual of Style
In Chicago Style, “be” is always capitalized in titles as it is a verb. This rule applies consistently to “be” regardless of position. Other parts of speech that you should also capitalize in CMOS are nouns, pronouns, and adjectives.
American Medical Association (AMA)
Next, the AMA Manual of Style also requires that “be” and all other two-letter verbs be capitalized in titles. This rule is applicable whether “be” appears at the beginning, middle, or end of the title or subtitle.
Associated Press Style (AP Stylebook / AP Style)
If your professor asks you to follow the Associated Press Stylebook, “be” is capitalized in titles without exception. The rule is pretty straightforward: all major words, including verbs like “be,” are capitalized.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
The MLA Handbook follows a similar rule as the previous style guides; “be” is capitalized in titles and subtitles. In MLA Style, you should also capitalize the following parts of speech:
- Nouns
- Pronouns
- Verbs
- Adjectives
- Adverbs
- Subordinating conjunctions
American Psychological Association (APA)
In APA style, verbs are categorized as “major” words, while short conjunctions and prepositions are “minor.” Major words are always capitalized in APA, so you should have the letter B in the word “be” capitalized.
The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage
In The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage, “be” is also capitalized in titles. If you are wondering what other parts of speech are capitalized in NY Style, they are nouns, pronouns, as well as, all other words that are four or more letters.
Bluebook
The Bluebook Style Guide also shares the same capitalization rule as other style guides. You should also capitalize “be” when it appears in a title.
Wikipedia Manual of Style
The Wikipedia Manual of Style rule on “be” is also pretty straightforward: capitalize “be,” as well as other forms to be (are, am, is was, been, and were.
When Should You Capitalize “Be”
We’ve gone through the various style guides, and it’s pretty clear that you should always capitalize “be” whenever it is in a title. Let’s go over a few more examples to illustrate this point:
- First word of the title: Be the Best You Can Be
- Middle of a title: “Always Be Together”
- Last word of a title: “Be the Best You Can Be”
- After a colon / First word of a subtitle: “Success: Be Who You Are”
When Shouldn’t You Capitalize “Be”
There really aren’t many instances where you wouldn’t capitalize “be” in a title since it’s a verb. Across all major style guides, “be” should get the capital letter treatment.
Final Thoughts
So, is “be” capitalized in a title? Yes, “be” is capitalized. Whether “be” is at the beginning, middle, or end of a title, it remains capitalized as verbs are considered “major words.”
Keeping your titles formatted correctly ensures professionalism and clarity. Need a way to keep your titles consistent? Check out this capitalization tool.
