Title capitalization can be tricky, but if you just want to know the answer to the question, “Is for capitalized in a title,” the short answer is yes – if it’s the first word of a title or subtitle and the last word. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Read on to learn about the capitalization of the word “for” by style guide.
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Title Case Rules Per Style Guide
There are different style guides, each with its rules on citation, capitalization, structure, and more. Luckily, most have the same title capitalization rule regarding the word “for” – keep “for” (and other short prepositions) in lowercase if it’s in the middle of the title. But, as we’ve mentioned earlier, there are some exceptions you should follow.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
The Chicago Manual of Style states that all conjunctions and prepositions should be lowercase. This means are, and, but, for, and nor are not capitalized. The only time you should capitalize these words appears at the beginning of a title (or subtitle) or the last word of the title.
American Medical Association (AMA)
The American Medical Association also shares the same capitalization rule as CMOS. You should not capitalize “for” (and other prepositions), articles, conjunctions, and words that are three letters or less. The only time you should capitalize “for” is when: (1) it’s the first word of a title, (2) the first word of a subtitle (either after a colon or em dash), and if it’s the last word.
Associated Press Style (AP Style)
For the Associated Press Stylebook, you keep long prepositions (four or more letters) capitalized. Since “for” is just three-letter long, you should keep it lowercase. Of course, this is not always a hard and fast rule, as “for” can also be capitalized if it’s the title’s first or last word. You should also capitalize it; it’s the first word in a subtitle.
American Psychological Association (APA)
In APA Style Guide, four-letter words are considered major words and should be capitalized. If the word is shorter (three or fewer letters), they are in the “minor words” category and shouldn’t be capitalized.
Since the “for” is just three letters long, technically, you shouldn’t capitalize if it’s the first word of a title or subtitle. It also receives the capitalization treatment if it appears after a colon or em dash.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
The MLA Handbook’s capitalization rule for “for” and other prepositions is also pretty straightforward. Keep prepositions in lowercase if they are not the first or last word in the title.
The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage
Just like MLA, APA, AMA, and other major style guides, “for” is generally kept in lowercase when it appears in the middle of a title. However, there is one exception: “for” is capitalized (even if it is not the last word) when it takes the place of a verb as support. Example: Employee For Paid Breaks.
Wikipedia Manual of Style
In Wikipedia’s Manual of Style, you should not capitalize prepositions (including “for”) unless it is the first or last word of a title. However, the style guide also dictates that you should capitalize prepositions if it’s a phrasal verb or a compound preposition’s first word.
Bluebook
Like other style guides, Bluebook also follows the same capitalization rule for the preposition “for.” Keep it in lowercase unless it is the first or last word of the title.
When Should You Capitalize For?
You should capitalize “for” when it is the first word of a title. If “for” is at the end of a title, you should also capitalize it. Keep in mind that “for” can also be capitalized if it appears after a colon and dash (or it’s the second part of a title). To be safe, review each guide’s specific capitalization guidelines.
Tip: The first letter of the first word of a title is always capitalized.
When Shouldn’t You Capitalize For?
In general, you should not capitalize “for” in a title if it is not the first or last word, if it is not after a colon or semicolon, or if it is not part of a proper noun. However, as we’ve discussed, there are exceptions to the rule, so make sure to review again the style guides mentioned above.
Tip: Infinitives that are often used as nouns or adjectives are not also capitalized in a title.
Final Thoughts
We hope our guide to “is for capitalized in a title?” gave you a better understanding of when you should and shouldn’t capitalize “for.” If you still need help, you can always use a free title capitalization tool, regardless of the style guide your professor asks you to follow.
