Capitalization

Question

What is the proper way to capitalize the titles of threads/topics in forums? Should every important word be capitalized (such as in titles of books, movies, etc.), or should only the first word? I would also like to know how this applies to e-mail messages in titles (the proper way).

Thanks!

Yoong Liat · Accepted Answer

PizzaWhat is the proper way to capitalize the titles of threads/topics in forums? Should every important word be capitalized (such as in titles of books, movies, etc.), or should only the first word? I would also like to know how this applies to e-mail messages in titles (the proper way).

Could you please provide a few examples so that our members can respond to your question?

Pizza · Answer

For example: I am going to create a new thread on this forum regarding a quick question on capitalization. Would I write it as:

"Quick question on capitalization"

"Quick Question on Capitalization"

etc.

What is the proper way to do it? I usually just avoid it and make one-word titles or have titles that use only proper nouns. I would like to improve my usage.

Thanks.

Yoong Liat · Answer

PizzaFor example: I am going to create a new thread on this forum regarding a quick question on capitalization. Would I write it as: "Quick question on capitalization" "Quick Question on Capitalization" etc. What is the proper way to do it? I usually just avoid it and make one-word titles or have titles that use only proper nouns. I would like to improve my usage. Thanks.

Quick Question on Capitalization (no capital for preposition)

The Old Man and the Sea [No capital for conjunction and article, but 'The' (article) is capitalised because it's the first word of the title.

Tanit · Answer

PizzaFor example: I am going to create a new thread on this forum regarding a quick question on capitalization. Would I write it as: "Quick question on capitalization" "Quick Question on Capitalization" etc. What is the proper way to do it?

Hi,

To me, both of them are ok as titles in a forum. You don't have to stick to the same rules you'd follow for books or movies (which have been correctly summarised in YL's post); the only important thing is that the title should be concise and straight to the point.

As for emails, I'd go for the first one. However, I receive many from universities, local governments and organisations in the UK, and they use both forms. Here are some (real) examples:

(from a university, 1st type): Coursework and summer exam boards
(from a university, 2nd type): Advance Notice: PPU Seminar
(from an institution, 1st type): RTPI and APC: working towards membership of the Institute
(from an institution, 2nd type): Open Bank Holiday Monday
(from a local government, 1st type): Job vacancy at Tendring District Council- Planning Policy
(from a local government, 2nd type): Building Houses or Creating Communities?

You choose!

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks for the help and the quick responses.

Capitalization

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