When drafting titles for articles, essays, or web pages, a persistent question arises regarding the treatment of short function words, specifically the word "is." The standard practice in title case formatting dictates that verbs, regardless of their length, are always capitalized. Therefore, "is" is capitalized in a title because it functions as a linking verb, placing it in the same category as "are," "was," and "be."
The Rules of Title Case Capitalization
Understanding why "is" is capitalized requires adherence to the established rules of title case, which prioritize readability and grammatical structure. These conventions, often dictated by style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press Stylebook, create a consistent visual hierarchy for headlines. The primary goal is to distinguish major words from minor ones to allow the reader to parse the title quickly.
Major vs. Minor Words
Style guides generally categorize words in a title into two groups: major and minor. Minor words, which are typically short and serve a grammatical purpose rather than carrying concrete meaning, are often left lowercase unless they appear first or last. However, "is" is rarely classified as a minor word in this context. Because it is a verb—a word of action or state—it is considered a major element of the sentence structure, warranting capitalization.
Exceptions and Specific Contexts
While the rule is straightforward, specific style guides introduce nuances that users should understand. For instance, the Associated Press (AP) style, commonly used in journalism, recommends capitalizing verbs like "is" but suggests keeping articles (a, an, the) and short conjunctions lowercase. The logic here is to maintain the flow of reading without disrupting the visual rhythm of the title with unnecessary capitalization of tiny words.
The Chicago Manual of Style advises capitalizing the first and last words of the title unconditionally.
MLA formatting typically aligns with capitalizing all principal words, including verbs.
APA style also treats verbs as significant words, ensuring they are capitalized to maintain the title's professionalism.
The Visual and Grammatical Impact
From a design perspective, capitalizing "is" creates a stronger visual anchor. In a headline like "The Truth Is Out There," the capitalized "Is" provides a rhythmic beat that matches the weight of the other capitalized words—"Truth" and "Out." If the word were lowercase, the title would appear unbalanced, potentially diminishing its impact in search engine results or on a magazine cover.
Practical Application for Writers
For content creators and marketers, the application of this rule is essential for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). While search engines are becoming more sophisticated in interpreting natural language, consistency in title formatting remains a ranking factor. A title that correctly capitalizes "Is" signals to the algorithm that the content is professionally edited, which can indirectly boost click-through rates from search results.
Conclusion on Standardization
Ultimately, the treatment of "is" in a title reflects the broader principle that grammar and aesthetics intersect in professional writing. By adhering to the standard of capitalizing verbs, writers ensure their titles are not only correct but also optimized for clarity and impact. This standardization removes ambiguity and allows the message to be conveyed with precision.
