Editorial style guide - P
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z
Paragraphs
Use one line return in between paragraphs. Don't indent at the beginning of paragraphs.
Keep paragraphs short, about 45 words, especially when writing for the web.
Part-time
Hyphenated.
Passive voice
If you want to sound detached, distant or not responsible for what you're saying, then use the passive voice. In most cases, though, the active voice is best. It is concise, direct and makes your writing more engaging and informative.
The professor will present her research at the conference.
not
Research will be presented by the professor at the conference.
Per cent
Write out in full as two words, not one symbol (%). Symbols can look untidy or get lost in large blocks of text. Tables with numbers can use %. Percentage is one word.
Per day
Also per year, per month and so on.
Plain English
Aim to be as clear and concise as possible. Using plain English does not mean 'dumbing down'. It just means delivering your message in the clearest way possible.
Before
The forum exists in order that students can communicate issues or concerns about the quality of their learning experience that they feel are important and/or make suggestions for ways in which course programmes or modules might be better delivered and structured. In other words it is designed to give the student body a voice in the way teaching is managed and delivered. (62 words)
After
The forum gives students a say in the way their courses are run. (13 words).
Platitudes
Avoid using platitudes, for example:
The University welcomes international students.
Cut the sentence altogether or replace it with evidence that the University provides a welcoming environment.
Postgraduate
One word, not hyphenated.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Two hyphens.
Punctuation
See Ampersand, Brackets, Comma, Colon, En-dash, Full stop, Hyphen, Question mark, Semi- colon. For advice on punctuating quotes see Quotation marks.