Is Who Capitalized in a Title?
Understanding the rules of capitalization in titles is essential for effective and professional writing. One common question that arises is whether the word “who” should be capitalized in a title. This article aims to clarify this issue and provide guidance on when and why “who” should be capitalized in a title.
Capitalization in Titles: The Basics
In general, titles follow specific capitalization rules that vary slightly depending on the style guide being used. The most common style guides include APA, MLA, Chicago, and AP. However, the fundamental principle remains the same: capitalize the first word, any proper nouns, and any important words that are not normally capitalized in the body of the text.
Is “Who” a Proper Noun?
The word “who” is not a proper noun, as it refers to a person or group of people rather than a specific individual or place. Therefore, according to the general rule of capitalizing proper nouns in titles, “who” should not be capitalized unless it is part of a proper noun or when it is the first word in the title.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to the rule that “who” should not be capitalized in a title. These exceptions include:
1. When “who” is part of a proper noun: In cases where “who” is used in conjunction with a proper noun, it should be capitalized. For example, “The Life of Whoopi Goldberg” or “The Journey of Mother Teresa.”
2. When “who” is the first word in the title: If “who” is the first word in the title, it should be capitalized to follow the general rule of capitalizing the first word in a title. For example, “Who Cares About Climate Change?”
3. When “who” is used as an interrogative pronoun: In questions, “who” is considered an interrogative pronoun and should be capitalized. For example, “Who will win the championship?”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the word “who” is typically not capitalized in a title unless it is part of a proper noun, the first word in the title, or used as an interrogative pronoun in a question. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your titles are both grammatically correct and visually appealing.
