When editing formal documents, a recurring question surfaces regarding the treatment of short conjunctions: do you capitalize between in a title. The answer is not a simple yes or no, but depends entirely on the style guide you are following and the specific position of the word within the heading.
The Standard Rule for Conjunctions
Most modern style guides, including the Associated Press (AP) and the Chicago Manual of Style, establish a clear hierarchy for capitalization. The primary rule dictates that words with fewer than five letters should remain lowercase unless they are the first or last word of the title. Since "between" contains eight letters, it technically exceeds the typical length threshold; however, it is classified as a conjunction, which introduces a specific exception to this length rule.
AP Style and Lowercase Treatment
Under AP Style, which is commonly used in journalism and public relations, the word "between" is almost always lowercase in a title. This is because it is a conjunction, and AP dictates that conjunctions should remain lowercase regardless of their letter count. The only scenario where you would capitalize it is if it appears as the very first word of the headline, immediately following the colon, or as the final word of the title.
Chicago Style and Formal Publishing
For academic or book publishing, the Chicago Manual of Style offers a slightly more flexible approach, though the outcome is generally the same. Chicago recommends capitalizing major words, which includes nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Conversely, articles, short prepositions, and conjunctions are usually kept lowercase. Therefore, "between" is typically not capitalized unless it functions as a verb in a specific, uncommon context or resides in a position that demands capitalization.
Exceptions and Contextual Considerations
While the standard guidance is to keep "between" lowercase, you must always consider the specific wording of your title. If you are writing a title about navigation or geography, such as "Flying Between Continents," the word might be integral to the meaning and visual balance of the phrase. In these instances, some style guides allow for the optional capitalization of longer prepositions and conjunctions to maintain the rhythm of the title, though this leans toward a more stylistic choice rather than a strict grammatical rule.
It is also vital to distinguish "between" from the preposition "among." If you are dealing with a choice involving more than two entities, the correct word is "among," which follows the same capitalization rules. Consistency is key; if your title treats "between" as a minor word, the same treatment should apply to other similar words like "with," "and," or "or" to ensure the heading looks polished and professional.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to capitalize "between" hinges on the document's style manual and the visual symmetry you wish to achieve. By adhering to the conventions of AP or Chicago style, you ensure that your titles meet professional editorial standards. Remember to apply the rules uniformly, checking every conjunction and preposition to maintain a clean and grammatically correct title.
