First-Year English FAQs
* In APA format capitalize all words except prepositions, conjunctions, and articles that are less than four letters. If the preposition or conjunction is longer than four letters, it should be capitalized. In titles capitalize both words in a hyphenated compound (Pig-Headed). For rules of capitalization in heading and subheadings, see Headings and Subheadings.
* Capitalize nouns followed by numerals or letters.
* Capitalize titles of exact names of tests.
* Capitalize names of factors, variables,
and effects.
APA Example: The Symbols
and Myths Between the Pages
Prepositions are a group of words that show position or location--on, to, over, under, through, between.
Conjunctions are a group of words that link words, phrases, and sentences together--and, but, or, for, yet, nor, so.
Articles precede nouns. There are only two articles in English--"the" and "a/an."
If you are not sure whether a word should be capitalized in a title, look the word up in a dictionary. The dictionary definition should have a small italicized letter like "v." or "prep." that indicates which part of speech a word is. Once you know which part of speech or word type a word falls into, you will know whether to capitalize it or not.
Capitalize nouns followed by numerals or letters.
Example: On Day 3 of Experiment 2, Table 1 and Figure 2B
Do not capitalize common nouns that stand for parts of books or tables
Example: chapter 4, page 12
Do not capitalize nouns that come before a variable.
Example: component y
Capitalize titles of exact names of tests.
Example: Connors Personality Test
Do not capitalize general, abbreviated, or shortened titles of tests.
Example: a personality test
Capitalize names of factors, variables, and effects.
Example: Bedtime Rituals (Factor 1), Factors 4 and 5