I’m small. Standing at just five feet tall and weighing the same as 2.5 bags of wood pellets (we keep cozy in our little PNW home with a pellet stove), I don’t take up much space. If you sit behind me in a car, you’ll enjoy plenty of legroom. In my kitchen, you’ll find a step stool so I can reach the top shelves, and my closet is full of hand-me-downs from my teenage daughters. Though I may be small, I like to think of myself as pretty important—just like the word “is.”

At first glance, “is” might seem simple. As a two-letter word, it seems hardly worth a second thought. But don’t be fooled—this humble little verb is a powerhouse in the English language.

The Power of Is

Want to declare something officially true? You need “is.” Whether you’re announcing that the weather in the PNW is as perfect as it gets or proclaiming that the Oregon Coast is worth visiting, “is” is what gives your sentence that grounding power. It takes your thoughts and turns them into solid truths, just like the mighty Columbia River—flowing and certain.

Need to explain something with absolute clarity? “Is” is the verb to use. “Dark chocolate is the only chocolate worth eating.” No room for doubt. No need for debate. It’s clear, concise, and authoritative.

Remember to Capitalize “Is” in Titles

But here’s the thing I see time and time again: When “is” appears in a title, many people skip over capitalizing it. My guess is that they’re treating it like a preposition or an article, thinking it’s too small and insignificant to warrant a capital letter. But as we’ve discussed, “is” is a verb. And no matter which style guide you follow, one rule is consistent: Verbs are capitalized in titles.

So next time you’re titling something, remember the mighty “is.” It may be small, but it deserves its moment to shine with a capital letter.