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Capitalization in headings

Question:

I always thought that all the words in a title need to be capitalized (e.g. Chapter 1 - The Capitalization Of Words, Etc.). But I recently read a book in which all the words in the headings were not capitalized. Can you help?

Answer:

At first glance, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to how headings are capitalized. The Canadian Style, however, can help you clear this up.

When the heading or title begins at the left margin, capitalize only the first word and any other words that need to be capitalized, such as proper names. For example:

Headings or titles beginning at the left margin:

  • 4.1 The money markets in Canada
  • The capitalization of words, etc.

When the heading or title is centred, capitalize all words except for articles (unless the article begins the heading or title), conjunctions and prepositions that have fewer than four letters. For example:

Centred headings or titles:

  • The Money Markets in Canada
  • The Capitalization of Words, Etc.
  • Joshua Then and Now
Date Modified: 2012-03-29

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