Final answer:
Capitalization of professional titles should be observed when directly addressing individuals or when titles precede their names; multiple titles warrant using the highest ranking one or personal preference. In MLA citations, capitalize first and significant words in titles.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing individuals or writing formal documents, it is important to follow specific rules for capitalization of titles. Professional titles should be capitalized when they are used before a person’s name (e.g., Dr. Atul Gawande), and the same applies for formal salutations in letters (“President Obama”). When mentioning a title without the person’s surname, the title should still be capitalized if the individual is being addressed directly. It is generally recommended not to abbreviate titles in these contexts.
When faced with multiple titles, prioritize the highest ranking title or inquire about personal preference. If uncertain of a woman’s marital status, Ms. is a safe and respectful form of address. In the context of titles in literature and works cited in MLA style, only the first and significant words in the title or subtitle of a book or article are capitalized, and the entire title is usually italicized or quoted. Moreover, academic achievements or locational information provided in parentheses align with being nonessential, hence not affecting the capitalization rules of the main text.