Writing Style Guidelines
Quotation Marks | Periods and commas go inside quotation marks with only one exception: when using the author-date system of notation the parenthetical reference immediately follows an in-text quotation, viz., “Four score and seven years ago” (Lincoln 1863, 1). (CMS 6.8). Normally like this "the quote." |
Apostrophes | Apostrophes only indicate missing letters (don't) or possessives (Joe's), not plurals. If you’re writing of the plural of 1980, then write 1980s. (CMS 7.15–16) |
Acronyms | Spell out acronyms the first time and follow them with the abbreviation, e.g., Web-Empowered Church (WEC). |
Dashes | Em dash is a “dash” between words, phrases, etc. (CMS 6.87) Use en dash between ranges, such as pages, dates, scripture verses, etc. (CMS 6.83) Notice the difference: Hyphen: x-ray |
Italics | Always italicize book titles (and periodical titles like Christianity Today or Vogue.). |
Numbers | In general, spell out numbers less than 101—the exception is for percentages and in text chapter numbers, sections numbers, and a few other rare exceptions (CMS 9). In addition, hyphenate numbers to ninety-nine. |
Semi-Colons | Semi-colons are generally used to join two independent clauses (two full sentences) that are not joined by a conjunction (and/or). It is also generally used before the adverbs then, however, indeed, thus, therefore, besides, accordingly, and hence; however, it is also used in a series/list that includes additional punctuation (notice the correct punctuation for the use of however in the previous sentence). For instance: she was going to the store to buy milk, bread, and rice; stopping by the drycleaner; and having dinner with her roommate (notice the commas in the first “series” that make it necessary to use the semi-colon for the second series). |
Spaces | Although when we learned to type most of us were taught to use two spaces after a period, the rules have changed. Use only one space between sentences now (CMS 2.12). |
Hierarchical List | To create a hierarchical list, use scientific/legal paragraph numbering. |
WEC Word Spelling Choices | backend |
CMS here refers to the Chicago Manual of Styles
