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This post is a bit more of a list than the last couple and can be printed off to help you keep your writing consistent and professional, regardless of what or who you're writing for.
Numbers
Spell out all numbers between one and nine. For 10 and higher, the numbers are represented by numerals.
There are exceptions – Times and Dates are always numerals and stating any sentence with a number requires you to spell out the number.
Times, Dates and Locations
Times should be represented as numbers followed by a.m. or p.m.
Dates should be abbreviated. Eg. Dec. 23, 2013
Never use .st, .nd. etc. as they are redundant
If you’re talking about the month and not a specific date you spell the full name of the month. Eg. In October we will pitch the idea.
These rules are the same when talking about locations. Eg. I live on Maple Street. or I live at 16 Maple St.
Capitalization
Only capitalize proper names, not titles or programs.
If you use the person’s title directly before their full name, you can capitalize the title, but if you use the title a second time there is no need to capitalize it. Government departments are only capitalized if you use their full names.
Acronyms
On first use of an organization or other thing you would like to shorten, you must spell out the proper name followed by the acronym in brackets.
Eg. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) will host the event. MUN is a university in St. John’s.
Don’t use acronyms in parentheses on the first reference if they don’t come up again in the text.
Others
Never use symbols like & or %
Spell out and or per cent or percentage
To – used when talking about a place or thing
Too – means as well
Subject/object matching
Organizations are collectives. They are singular, and they are things, not people.
Eg. Wrong: The government said they have a plan for tackling poverty.
Right: The government said it has a plan for tackling poverty.
Singular/plural matching
Are you talking about more than one thing? Make them match.
Eg. Wrong: The couple have a two-year-old daughter.
Right: The couple has a two-year-old daughter.
Redundancies
The words in parentheses aren’t necessary.
(We believe/think/feel) the economy is strong.
He has (already) asked for a meeting with the minister.
She was given three rounds of chemotherapy (treatment).
The house was (fully) engulfed in flame.
His fame spread (right) across the country.
He hoped to have the report finished soon(er, rather than later).
She doesn’t know when she’ll be back (at this point in time).
She (really) enjoyed berrypicking in August (month).
I will also require your help, (as well).
There were three colours to choose from — (including) red, white and blue.
Using including suggests there are some items on your list you won’t be mentioning.
The correct version is: “There were three colours to choose from: red, white and blue.”
For these amazing tips and tricks, we have to thank my former work Mom and Dad (you guys know who you are). These two editors taught me everything I know and are the only reason I'm in business today.
If you enjoyed these posts or have any questions, let me know in the comments.
Spell out all numbers between one and nine. For 10 and higher, the numbers are represented by numerals.
There are exceptions – Times and Dates are always numerals and stating any sentence with a number requires you to spell out the number.
Times, Dates and Locations
Times should be represented as numbers followed by a.m. or p.m.
Dates should be abbreviated. Eg. Dec. 23, 2013
Never use .st, .nd. etc. as they are redundant
If you’re talking about the month and not a specific date you spell the full name of the month. Eg. In October we will pitch the idea.
These rules are the same when talking about locations. Eg. I live on Maple Street. or I live at 16 Maple St.
Capitalization
Only capitalize proper names, not titles or programs.
If you use the person’s title directly before their full name, you can capitalize the title, but if you use the title a second time there is no need to capitalize it. Government departments are only capitalized if you use their full names.
Acronyms
On first use of an organization or other thing you would like to shorten, you must spell out the proper name followed by the acronym in brackets.
Eg. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) will host the event. MUN is a university in St. John’s.
Don’t use acronyms in parentheses on the first reference if they don’t come up again in the text.
Others
Never use symbols like & or %
Spell out and or per cent or percentage
To – used when talking about a place or thing
Too – means as well
Subject/object matching
Organizations are collectives. They are singular, and they are things, not people.
Eg. Wrong: The government said they have a plan for tackling poverty.
Right: The government said it has a plan for tackling poverty.
Singular/plural matching
Are you talking about more than one thing? Make them match.
Eg. Wrong: The couple have a two-year-old daughter.
Right: The couple has a two-year-old daughter.
Redundancies
The words in parentheses aren’t necessary.
(We believe/think/feel) the economy is strong.
He has (already) asked for a meeting with the minister.
She was given three rounds of chemotherapy (treatment).
The house was (fully) engulfed in flame.
His fame spread (right) across the country.
He hoped to have the report finished soon(er, rather than later).
She doesn’t know when she’ll be back (at this point in time).
She (really) enjoyed berrypicking in August (month).
I will also require your help, (as well).
There were three colours to choose from — (including) red, white and blue.
Using including suggests there are some items on your list you won’t be mentioning.
The correct version is: “There were three colours to choose from: red, white and blue.”
For these amazing tips and tricks, we have to thank my former work Mom and Dad (you guys know who you are). These two editors taught me everything I know and are the only reason I'm in business today.
If you enjoyed these posts or have any questions, let me know in the comments.