The word “with” is fairly common in titles, so it’s important to know whether it should be capitalized. Unfortunately, the rules are not straightforward. First, the answer depends on which style you are using. It also depends on whether the word is part of a phrasal verb.
Capitalizing “With” in Chicago and MLA Styles
According to the Chicago Manual of Style and MLA style guide the word “with” should always be lowercase in a title unless it is the first or last word in a sentence. This is because “with” is a preposition with four letters which means it should be lowercase.
Examples:
- I Am with You (Chicago Style)
- Come with Me (MLA Style)
Capitalizing Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and another element, typically either an adverb or a preposition. Since “with” is a preposition, when paired with a verb, the phrase becomes a phrasal verb and phrasal verbs are capitalized because verbs are capitalized in MLA and Chicago.
For example, the phrase “Come Play With Me Now” has the “with” capitalized because it is part of the phrasal verb “play with”.
Capitalizing “With” in APA and AP Styles
However, in APA and AP Stylebook, the word “with” is capitalized because all words longer than four words are capitalized.
Examples:
- I Am With You (APA Style)
- Come With Me (AP Style)
Do You Capitalize “Within” in a Title?
The same rules as “with” apply for the word “within”. You should capitalize it in APA and AP styles, but lowercase it in Chicago and MLA styles unless the word is being used as an adverb or is used in a phrasal verb.
“With” is not longer than four letters. It is four letters, so it would not be capitalized. “About” which is five letters (more than four letters) would be capitalized.
Actually, I double-checked AP Style and “with” should be capitalized, but your article should say “words with four or more letters” not “words longer than four words” because “with” is not longer than four words.