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What is Sentence Case?
April 10, 2025 | Learning Center
Sentence case is a capitalization style in which only the first word of a sentence, heading, or title is capitalized, along with any proper nouns. Unlike title case, which requires us to capitalize specific words based on parts of speech, sentence case aims for a more natural, conversational capitalization style. This style is commonly used for body content, as well as some headings and subheadings, depending on the style guide.
General Rules for Sentence Case
- Capitalize the first word: Capitalize the first word of the sentence, title, or heading, regardless of its part of speech.
- Capitalize proper nouns: Always capitalize proper nouns, such as names of people, places, and organizations.
- Lowercase other words: Lowercase all other words, including adjectives, verbs, nouns, prepositions, and conjunctions, unless they are proper nouns.
Sentence Case According to Major Style Guides
1. APA Style (American Psychological Association, 7th Edition)
In APA style:
- Capitalize the first word of the title, heading, or subtitle, along with the first word after a colon, em dash, or end punctuation in a heading.
- Capitalize proper nouns and nouns followed by numerals or letters (e.g., Chapter 3).
- Write titles of papers, article titles, and headings within the document in title case.
- Use sentence case for titles within the Reference list.
For more detailed guidance, see the APA’s detailed explanation of sentence case capitalization.
Correct: In Chapter 3, we will explore allegory in Homer’s The Iliad and other epic poems.
Incorrect: In Chapter 3, We Will Explore Allegory in Homer’s The Iliad and Other Epic Poems.
Incorrect: In chapter 3, we will explore allegory in Homer’s the Iliad and other epic poems.
2. Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition
In Chicago style:
- Capitalize the first word and any proper nouns.
- Use sentence case for most titles in other languages.
- Write English-language titles or headings mentioned in the text or bibliography in title case.
Correct: A history of the world in 100 objects.
Incorrect: A History of the World in 100 Objects.
3. MLA Style (Modern Language Association, 9th Edition)
In MLA style:
- Only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
- Title case is used for titles within the works cited list.
Correct: An analysis of love and war in literature.
Incorrect: An Analysis of Love and War in Literature.
4. AP Style (Associated Press Stylebook, 57th Edition)
In AP style:
- Use sentence case for headlines, subheadings, body text, and captions.
- Capitalize the first word and proper nouns; leave the rest lowercase.
- In headings, always capitalize the first word after a colon.
- Write composition titles in title case. Enclose them in quotation marks, except for holy books and catalogs of reference material.
Correct: The effects of climate change on coastal areas.
Incorrect: The Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Areas.
Conclusion
Sentence case is a straightforward, visually consistent capitalization style, with rules that are easy to apply across different types of content. Each style guide has specific guidelines about when to use sentence case,, so consult the style guide you’ve been asked to use by your university or publisher.
If you’re still having trouble with casing, our expert editors can help; contact us today, and we’ll help you align your document to your style guide’s rules.