Do You Capitalize Conjunctions in a Title? | TitleCasePro
Do you capitalize conjunctions in a title? Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) stay lowercase; subordinating conjunctions are capitalized. See the rules.
Quick answer: Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) stay lowercase in titles in most styles. Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while, if) are capitalized as major words. As always, the first and last word are capitalized regardless.
Not all conjunctions are treated the same way in title case. The answer depends on whether the conjunction is coordinating or subordinating — two grammatical categories that style guides handle very differently.
The Two Types of Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions join two equal parts of a sentence. There are exactly seven, easily remembered with the acronym FANBOYS:
- For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
These are minor words — lowercase in most title styles.
Subordinating conjunctions introduce a dependent clause: because, although, while, since, unless, if, when, after, before. These are treated as major words — capitalized in title case.
The key distinction: Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) → lowercase. Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while…) → Capitalize.
Coordinating Conjunctions Across Style Guides
| Style guide | and, but, or, nor | for, so, yet |
|---|---|---|
| APA | lowercase | lowercase |
| Chicago | lowercase | Capitalize so, yet |
| MLA | lowercase | lowercase |
| AP | lowercase | lowercase |
| AMA | Capitalize (all words) | Capitalize |
⚠️ Chicago quirk: The Chicago Manual of Style capitalizes “so” and “yet” because they can function as adverbs. APA, MLA, and AP keep all seven coordinating conjunctions lowercase.
Examples
Coordinating conjunctions — lowercase (most styles):
- Pride and Prejudice
- War and Peace
- Slow but Steady Wins the Race
- To Be or Not to Be
Subordinating conjunctions — capitalized:
- Success Because of Failure
- Writing While Tired: A Guide
- What to Do If You Miss the Deadline
First or last word — always capitalized:
- And Then There Were None — And is capitalized as the first word
- The More the Merrier, So Be It — It capitalized as last word
Why Coordinating Conjunctions Are Minor Words
Coordinating conjunctions are grammatical “glue” — they connect words without carrying much meaning on their own. Style guides classify them as minor words alongside articles and short prepositions, so they are lowercased mid-title.
Subordinating conjunctions, by contrast, carry meaning and introduce ideas (cause, time, condition), so they are treated as significant words and capitalized.
Get It Right Automatically
The title capitalizer knows the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions and applies the correct rule for your chosen style — including Chicago’s special treatment of “so” and “yet.” Paste your title and see a word-by-word breakdown.
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