chicago style do names get it italicized

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22-01-2025

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The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is a widely recognized authority on style and formatting. Understanding its intricacies, especially regarding the italicization of names, is crucial for academic and professional writing. This guide clarifies whether names should be italicized in Chicago style. The short answer? Generally, no. Let's delve deeper into the specifics.

When Names Aren't Italicized in Chicago Style

In most cases, names of people, places, and things are not italicized in Chicago style. This includes:

• Authors' names: Always appear in roman type (regular typeface). For example, "The novel was written by Jane Austen."
• Character names: Similar to authors, character names remain in roman type. For instance, "Elizabeth Bennet is a compelling character."
• Company names: Corporate entities are written in standard typeface. For example, "Google is a multinational technology company."
• Place names: Cities, states, countries, etc., are not italicized. For example, "The meeting will be held in Chicago, Illinois."
• Titles of individuals: Titles such as "President," "Professor," or "Dr." are also written in roman type.

Exceptions: When Italics Are Used for Names

While generally names are not italicized, there are some crucial exceptions:

• Titles of Works: This is the most common exception. Titles of books, plays, films, journals, and other published works are italicized. For instance: Pride and Prejudice, Hamlet, The Godfather.

• Foreign Words and Phrases: If a name originates from a foreign language and is not commonly anglicized, italicizing it might be appropriate. Always consider the context and your target audience.

Commonly Confused Scenarios

Let's address some situations that might cause confusion:

Q: Should I italicize the name of a ship, building or aircraft?

A: Yes, names of ships, aircraft, and spacecraft are italicized. For example, the Titanic, the Space Shuttle Columbia. Buildings are usually not italicized unless they are considered significant landmarks that are commonly referenced by their name alone (such as the Empire State Building).

Q: What about names of periodicals?

A: Names of periodicals (magazines, newspapers, journals) are italicized. For example, The New York Times, The Atlantic.

Maintaining Consistency: The Key to Chicago Style

Regardless of the specifics, consistency is key when using Chicago style. Choose a style guide and adhere to it consistently throughout your work. Inconsistency is a common mistake that detracts from the overall quality of your writing.

Conclusion

In Chicago style, names themselves are typically not italicized. Italics are reserved for titles of works and, in certain cases, foreign words and phrases. This distinction is crucial for maintaining clarity and adhering to the standards of academic writing. Referencing the official Chicago Manual of Style is recommended for the most current and precise guidance. Remember to always double-check your work for consistency. By understanding these guidelines, you can ensure your writing adheres to the principles of the Chicago Manual of Style and presents a polished, professional image.