The trend worldwide is to use fewer initial capital letters in headlines and titles. The two prevalent styles are both correct.
Option 1
Maximum capitalization means capitalizing all words except tiny or unimportant words like to or of. This style makes a document or web page seem more formal, conservative and traditional.
Maxi-caps: 'The Bestselling Guide to English Usage'
Option 2
Minimum capitalization gives initial capitals only to words that normally have them, such as the first word and names of people and places. This style gives a more informal, modern and relaxed impression.
Mini-caps: 'The bestselling guide to English usage'
How to choose the right style of capitalization
Your job as a writer or editor is to use the more appropriate style, and use it consistently.
- As an employee or contractor you are usually obliged to follow the house style. If the house style guide requires all titles to be capitalized one way or the other, do that.
- For a new project or independent project, decide which style is more appropriate, and use that style consistently. Don't chop and change at random.
- If in doubt, choose minimum capitalization, because that's the modern trend.
Modern punctuation is the latest Contented course. Today's writing tip is one of dozens in this one-hour professional development course. Top up your training and clear up any confusion about the changes in what you thought were fixed 'rules' for punctuation and capitalization.
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