In the standard English writing convention, titles are often written in title case, which means that the first letter of each major word is capitalized. This includes nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. However, for titles that are derived from common nouns, such as “Mr.,” the usage is slightly different.
Understanding “Mr.” as a Title
“Mr.” is a title of respect used before a man’s given name or surname. It is derived from the Latin word “misterium,” meaning “master.” While “Mr.” is typically lowercase in regular text, it follows specific rules when used in titles.
Title Case Rules for “Mr.”
In a Full Title: When “Mr.” is part of a full title, it should be capitalized. For example, in the title “Mr. John Smith’s Journey to Success,” “Mr.” is capitalized because it is part of the full title.
As a Stand-Alone Title: If “Mr.” is used as a stand-alone title, such as in “Meet Mr. John Smith,” it is still lowercase. This is because it is not part of a larger title.
In Subtitles or Subheadings: When “Mr.” appears in a subtitle or subheading, it should be capitalized if it is part of a larger title within that subtitle or subheading. For example, “Mr. Smith’s Business Strategies” would be appropriate if it is a subtitle to a main title.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the correct use of “Mr.” in titles:
- Correct: “Mr. John Smith Discusses the Future of Technology”
- Incorrect: “mr. John Smith Discusses the Future of Technology” (should be capitalized)
- Correct: “The Life and Times of Mr. John Smith”
- Incorrect: “The Life and Times of mr. John Smith” (should be capitalized)
- Correct: “Mr. Smith’s Influence on Modern Art”
- Incorrect: “Mr. smith’s Influence on Modern Art” (should be capitalized)
Conclusion
In summary, “Mr.” should be capitalized when it is part of a full title. It should remain lowercase when used as a stand-alone title or in contexts where it is not part of a larger title. Adhering to these rules ensures that titles are written in accordance with standard English writing conventions.