First-Year English FAQs

WHAT ARE THE RULES OF CAPITALIZATION?
by Kathy McLain, M.A.  

Most general rules of capitalization apply to both MLA and APA formats.  However, writers need additional information about handling capitalization of titles in MLA and APA formats.  In MLA the writer needs specific rules for handling capitalization of titles.  In APA the reader needs more specific rules for handling the titles of studies and tests and capitalization and placement of headings and subheadings.  The general rules of capitalization are not repeated in the specific APA and MLA sections.

Click on one of the follow choices.  To return to this menu after you finish a section, click on "back."

GENERAL CAPITALIZATION RULES
SPECIFIC RULES OF CAPITALIZATION FOR MLA
SPECIFIC RULES OF CAPITALIZATION FOR APA


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