You’re writing an essay for class or a blog post for your website, and you’re unsure if you should capitalize “the” in a title. So, is “the” capitalized in a title? Yes, “the” is capitalized in a title when it’s the first word of a title or a subtitle, a proper noun, or precedes a proper noun.
Capitalization Rule of “The” per Style Guide
Each style guide has specific rules for almost everything, from layout to citations, the use of quotations, and even capitalizing “the.” The good thing is that most style guides agree that “the” shouldn’t be capitalized if it appears in the middle of the sentence. However, you should be aware of the exceptions. Here’s a closer look at the different style guides’ title capitalization rules for “the.”
Chicago Manual of Style (Cmos)
When following the Chicago style, you shouldn’t capitalize articles (“the,” “a,” and “an”). The only time you should capitalize “the” in a title is if it is the first word of a title. If there is a “the” that appears after the colon, you should also capitalize it.
American Medical Association (AMA)
The American Medical Association also has the same capitalization rule for “the” as CMOS. Only capitalize “the” if it appears as the first word of a title or a subtitle.
Associated Press Style (AP Style)
In the Associated Press Stylebook, you capitalize major words in a title. In the case of “the,” it falls under minor words (words that are three letters or less). So, should you have “the” in lowercase? Only if it appears in the middle of a title. But if it is at the beginning or after a colon, capitalize “the.”
American Psychological Association (APA Style)
APA style follows the same rule as AP style guide. You should capitalize the first letter of a title word, regardless of its length or part of speech.
Modern Language Association (MLA)
The MLA style also has a cut-and-dry rule for capitalizing “the.” If “the” is not the first word of the title or a part of a title you are referencing, you should not capitalize it.
For example, In “An Analysis of the Calls Made,” you should not capitalize “the.” But if you have “An Analysis of The Catcher in the Rye,” you should capitalize “the” because it is the first word of the book being referred to.
The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage
Like the previous style guides, the New York Times Manual of Style and Usage also says that you should capitalize “the” if it is the first word of a title. You should also capitalize it after a color. When you use “the” in the middle of a title, keep it in lowercase.
Wikipedia
If you are following the Wikipedia Manual of Style, indefinite and definite articles (the, an, and a) should not be capitalized unless they appear in the beginning or the last word of a title.
Bluebook
Just like other style guides above, Bluebook has the same rule regarding the capitalization of “the.” Capitalize it if the title’s the first word or the first word after a colon.
When Should You Capitalize The?
In all the style guides that we’ve discussed, you should capitalize “the” if it is the first word of a title and if the title includes the title of a band, book, journal, or other works. You should also capitalize “the” if it’s after a colon.
When Shouldn’t You Capitalize The?
All major style guides agree that the only time you shouldn’t capitalize “the” is when it appears in the middle of a title. For instance:
Correct: You Are the World
Incorrect: You Are The WorldThe reason “the” is not capitalized if it’s in the middle of a title is that style guides consider articles (the, a, and an) as minor words. According to most guides, nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, and pronouns are almost always capitalized. Title case capitalization rules for other parts of speech (prepositions, infinitives, coordinating conjunctions) can depend on the specific style guide you are following.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, our guide has answered your question, “is the capitalized in a title?” Again, “the” should be capitalized in a title if it fits any of these criteria: it is the first word of a title, appears after a colon, or the title is referring to a name of band, article, journal, or other works. To put your mind at ease, use a free online title capitalization tool.
