should is be capitalized in a title

2 min read 15-04-2025

Meta Description: Unsure whether to capitalize "is" in your title? This comprehensive guide clarifies capitalization rules for titles, offering examples and exceptions to help you write professional and grammatically correct titles every time. Learn when to capitalize "is" and other conjunctions for flawless title writing.

The question of whether to capitalize "is" in a title is a common one, causing confusion for many writers. The answer, like many grammar rules, isn't always straightforward. While the general rule is to capitalize the first and last words of a title, along with all principal words, "is" presents a unique challenge because it's a short, commonly used verb.

Understanding Title Case Capitalization

Before we delve into the specifics of "is," let's establish the broader rules of title case capitalization. This capitalization style is generally used for titles of books, articles, essays, songs, and more. The basic rules are:

Capitalize the first and last words: This is a consistent rule across nearly all style guides.
Capitalize all nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs: These are the main content words carrying meaning.
Capitalize all words of four letters or more: This is a common guideline, but exceptions exist.
Lowercase articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), and prepositions (of, to, in, on, etc.), unless they are the first or last word: This is where the "is" question comes into play.

When to Capitalize "Is" in a Title

The key factor determining whether to capitalize "is" lies in its function and position within the title.

Capitalize "Is" When...

It's the first word: If your title begins with "Is," it must be capitalized. For example: "Is This the Best Strategy?"
It's the last word: Similarly, if "is" concludes the title, capitalize it. Example: "The Question Is..."
It's a principal word: If "is" is crucial to the meaning of the title and acts as a strong verb, consider capitalizing it for emphasis. This is a matter of style and judgment. For example, "This Is How It Works" could arguably capitalize "Is" to highlight the process described.

Don't Capitalize "Is" When...

It's a short, unstressed word in the middle of a title: This is the most common scenario. When "is" sits within a longer title and isn't essential for understanding the main idea, lowercase it. Example: "This is how to write better titles." Notice how the "is" is not capitalized, especially given the context is about title writing. This is better perceived than with capitalization.
It's a conjunction: Although "is" is a verb, it can function like a conjunction in some instances, linking elements of a phrase. In such cases, lowercase it, following the general rule for conjunctions.

Examples:

Capitalized:

Is This the Right Approach?
The Problem Is...
The Question Is: Why?

Lowercase:

This is how to improve your writing.
This article is about SEO.
What is the meaning of life? (Question mark at the end often denotes lowercasing)

What About Other Conjunctions and Prepositions?

The same principles generally apply to other short conjunctions and prepositions. They are usually lowercased unless they begin or end the title. Consistent application of these rules ensures clarity and professionalism.

Conclusion: Context is Key

Ultimately, whether you capitalize "is" in a title hinges on its grammatical function and place within the sentence. While style guides offer general principles, context and stylistic choice play a significant role. Prioritize clarity and consistency in your title capitalization to maintain professionalism and avoid grammatical ambiguity. Remember, the goal is to write a title that is both clear and engaging for your audience.