Copy style guide.
Everyone who works for CJP also — in some capacity — writes for CJP. Having a style guide helps us communicate consistently and use the same language to reach our community with a unified voice.
Within this guide, you’ll find the answers to frequently queried stylistic standards and naming conventions, as well as aids to navigate tricky grammatical pitfalls.
In general, CJP follows the AP Stylebook, with deviations noted here.
Check back for updates. Language is always evolving, and our style guide will do the same. If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with Kate.
CJP-specific programs, departments, and partners
Affinities Groups / Professional Networks
Families with Young Children
Financial Services
Healthcare Professions Network
Healthcare Innovations Network
Lawyers & Accountants
The Cardozo & Accountants Society
Real Estate, Construction & Design
The King Solomon Society
Women’s Philanthropy
Maimonides Society
Pomegranate Society
Lion of Judah
Young Adults
Chai Society
Ben-Gurion Society
American Jewish Joint Distribution
Committee (JDC) Anti-Poverty Initiative
Annual Campaign
Board of Directors
Birthright Israel
Boston-Haifa Connection (BHC)
The Boston Media Room
Bridge to the Future Fund
Caring & Social Justice (CSJ)
Chai Society, see Affinities, Young Adults
Charity Navigator
CJP Legal Aid Fund for Immigrants (CLAFI)
Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)
Communal Cybersecurity Program
Communal Security Initiative (CSI)
Community Campaign
The CommUNITY Israel Dialogue
Donor Advised Funds
Dor L’Dor
Dnipro-Kehillah Project (DKP)
FACES: CJP’s Fund to Aid Children and End Separation
Hakol: An Israel Leadership Program
IACT ®
Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS)
The JCCs of Greater Boston (acronym, see how they refer to themselves)
Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS)
Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)
Jewish Learning and Engagement Commission (JLE)
Jewish Teen Initiative (JTI)
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
The King Solomon Society, see Affinities, Real Estate, Construction & Design
Lion of Judah, see Affinities, Women’s Philanthropy
The Maimonides Society, see Affinities, Healthcare Professions
Mental Health Access powered by CJP
The Miriam Fund
The Pomegranate Society, see Affinities, Women’s Philanthropy Project Inspire
Strategic Israel Engagement
Social Justice (Tzedek)
Warmline
CJP-specific: approved and essential copy
Chair vs. Co-chair
Both Chair and Co-chair are capitalized (see General approved usage, titles)
When there is more than one chair, always use “Co-chair” except in leadership listings.
Example:
Annual Campaign Co-chair Adam L. Suttin opened the meeting.
Adam L. Suttin, Co-chair of the Annual Campaign, opened the meeting.
Jessica R. Myers
Campe Goodman
Chairs, 2022 Annual Campaign
Charity Navigator description
You can give with confidence. CJP has consistently received the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting our efficient and fiscally responsible management. On average over the past 10 years, more than 86 cents of every dollar spent by CJP supported programs and services for the community.
Contact information
Default usage is to use first name only of staff person with their email address (always in lowercase) and direct extension. Staff person’s last name may be used if business requires it. Within an email, we hyperlink on “Contact NAME” and do not spell out the email unless it is required. Example:
INCORRECT: For more information, contact Joan at joany@cjp.org or 617-457-8550.
CORRECT: For more information, email Joan or call her at 617-457-8550.
Directions
Use the following approved copy when providing written directions:
- Turn right onto
- Building/house/synagogue is on the left
- Spell out Street, Avenue, Boulevard
- Spell out city
- Do NOT include state, unless location is outside of MA
- Capitalize specific Routes (take Route 95 to the Mass Pike)
- Capitalize specific directions (take Route 95 North)
- Do NOT capitalize general directions (head north)
- South Area (cap both – refers to Southern Massachusetts)
- Metrowest – capitalize just the “M” and it’s always one word
Events
Fees
No fees
This is a free event.
Single fee
Event fees reflect the cost of goods and services provided and are not tax deductible.
More than one tier of fees
Event fees reflect the cost of goods and services provided and are not tax deductible. Donations in excess of the fees are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Food
Dietary laws will be observed.
Information
If a print piece: For more information, please contact [first name] at [email] or [phone number].
If an email: For more information, please contact [first name, email hyperlinked] or [phone number].
Weather
In case of bad weather, please call 617-457-8888 or visit www.cjp.org for event updates.
Inclusion Statement
General
CJP welcomes the participation of interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, and sexual orientations.
Young Adult
CJP, Greater Boston's Jewish Federation, brings together the people, partners, and resources to fulfill the most important needs and aspirations of our community. We welcome the participation of interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, and sexual orientations.
Jewish Community Endowment Pool, LLP (JCEP)
Please spell out the full name before using the abbreviation. The “LLP” must always follow the full name when used. When spoken it is “Jay-sepp.”
Kraft Family Building
The building at which CJP’s offices are based must always be called the Kraft Family Building. Do not abbreviate or modify in anyway. Do not use alternate terms like “CJP’s offices” or “CJP headquarters.”
Leadership listings
Judith A. Kaye
Chair, Committee on Development
CHAIRS
Chairs, Committee Name
Shira Goodman
Chair, Board of Directors
Rabbi Marc Baker
President and CEO
Jessica R. Myers
Campe Goodman
Chairs, 2022 Annual Campaign
Names of the chairs in listings should be in alphabetical order by last name, EXCEPT for The Miriam Fund.
If the title must be on two separate lines, there is no comma at the end of the first line.
When referring to Rabbi Marc Baker, only use “Rabbi” in front of his name on the first mention. If his name is in an email subject/teaser, use Rabbi in the email body on the first mention as well.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to inspire and mobilize the diverse Boston Jewish community to engage in building communities of learning and action that strengthen Jewish life and improve the world.
Social Justice (Tzedek)
When we are referring to the proper name of our initiative we use: Social Justice (Tzedek) Initiative. (Social Justice comes first, Hebrew word italicized, all words begin with uppercase).
When we are referring to our work in this area in general, we use: social justice (tzedek) work. (social justice come first, Hebrew word italicized, all words lowercase).
Vision Statement
Our community is a leader center of Jewish life, inspired by Boston’s unique intellectual and cultural heritage. Expansive, dynamic models of living and learning include everyone and provide meaningful connections to Judaism, the Jewish People, Israel, and the broader world. Networks of thriving Jewish institutions works collaboratively to strengthen our future.
Frequently used Jewish terms
18
An important number in (particularly Ashkenazic) Jewish culture, signifying “life”. This comes from gematria, or Kabbalistic Hebrew numerology, in which Hebrew letters are each assigned a number; Chai, the word for life, adds up to 18 (chet is 8, yud is 10). Multiples of chai are traditional amounts in which to give gifts or charity. Other communities (particularly some Sephardim) give in multiples of 26, which is the gematria of the Tetragrammaton (name of God); some others give in round numbers plus one.
Ashkenazi Jews
(Ashkenazic, Ashkenazim) From the Hebrew word for Germany, an ethnic division of Jews of Eastern European descent.
bar mitzvah / bat mitzvah / b’nai mitzvah / b'mitzvah
Literally, “son/daughter/children of the commandments.” Children become accountable for upholding the mitzvot (commandments) at age 12-13 (traditionally 12 for girls, 13 for boys, but this varies). This is why we refer to it as “becoming bar mitzvah” instead of “being bar mitzvah- ed.” While children technically become b’nai mitzvah on their birthday, b’nai mitzvah ceremonies occur when a child is called to read from the Torah for the first time. Many communities are starting to use "b’mitzvah" to be more gender inclusive.
Bubbe
Grandmother, in Hebrew. Uppercase if referring to a particular person. Lowercase if referring to “grandmother,” in general.
chai
Hebrew word for life.
challah (pl. challot)
Braided egg bread eaten on Shabbat and on holidays. During Rosh Hashanah, challah is braided into round shapes instead into loaves and eaten with honey.
chesed
Hebrew for “caring.”
chutzpah
Confidence, nerve, or audacity – can be used with both negative and positive connotations. From an article on Chabad, everyone needs “A sense of shame that prevents you from acting with chutzpah to do the wrong thing, and a sense of chutzpah that prevents you from being ashamed to do the right thing.
Diaspora
Lowercase diaspora when referring to the general dispersion of Jews across the world outside of the Land of Israel.
Uppercase Diaspora when referring to the dispersion after the Babylonian Exile (598/7-587/6 BCE).
dreidel
Proper spelling of the top used in Hanukkah games. The four faces of the top are inscribed with the Hebrew letters N G H S in the diaspora. These letters give directions for the game but also stand for nes gadol hayah sham, a Hebrew phrase meaning “a great miracle happened there,” reminding of the miracle of the conquest of the Maccabees and of the oil that burned for eight days. In the Land of Israel, the last letter is P, standing for po, meaning “here."
d’var Torah (pl. divrei Torah)
Literally, “a word of Torah.” It’s a talk or an essay that interprets a text, particularly the parsha (Torah portion) of the week. Lowercase d, uppercase T.
erev
Hebrew word for “evening.” Capitalized when used in conjunction with Shabbat or another holiday, indicating the night when that holiday begins, e.g. Kol Nidre is a service that occurs on Erev Yom Kippur.
Hanukkah
CJP spelling (starting in 2017) of the eight-day winter holiday that begins on the 25th day of Kislev.
hamantashen
CJP spelling of the three-cornered cookie traditionally made for Purim.
Holocaust (also the Shoah)
Always capitalized. The Shoah (Hebrew for the catastrophe) is also a correct term, though less widely used. Some prefer this term due to the meaning of the Greek root for Holocaust, meaning “burnt sacrificial offering."
Jewish State
When used together, capitalize both words. Also known as the State of Israel.
Kaddish
An Aramaic prayer sequence recited in the synagogue service that includes thanksgiving, praise, and a prayer for universal peace. Most often refers to the Mourner’s Kaddish that is recited in memory of the dead.
kiddush
Literally, “sanctification.” Also the name of a ceremony of prayer and blessing over wine at a meal that ushers in the Sabbath on Friday nights or another holiday.
kosher
Lowercase. Descriptor of food or people compliant with dietary laws and of the laws themselves. These laws forbid mixing dairy and meat and the eating of certain animals (e.g., shellfish, pork). Has migrated into English with a broader meaning.
Ladino
A language incorporating elements of Spanish and Hebrew, developed by Jews in Spain.
lifecycle
One word. Descriptor of events from birth to death, from brit milah/bris to b’nai mitzvah to wedding to funerals.
L’Shanah Tovah
CJP spelling of the Rosh Hashanah greeting, meaning “for a good year.”
matzo
Unleavened Jewish bread. This spelling per AP Stylebook.
mazel tov
Literally “good luck,” but it’s for something that has already occurred – more like “What good luck!” rather than “may you have good luck.” Appropriate in situations one would say “congratulations” in English.
mikveh
A ritual bath, also transliterated “mikvah.” Traditionally used for ritual immersion, including the conversion to Judaism; some progressive Jews use the mikveh to mark times of personal transition. The most well-known in Boston is Mayyim Hayyim.
minyan
A quorum of 10 adults required for certain religious obligations, including saying Kaddish. Traditionally, this is men over the age of 13. Some congregations require 10 people over the age of 13. Some require 10 men and 10 women to fulfill a minyan.
The Orthodox Union (OU)
Governing body of Orthodox synagogues in the U.S.
parsha
The weekly Torah portion. There are 54 weekly portions that will all be read over the course of the year, and some holidays have their own parsha. Each is named for the first important word of the parsha.
Passover, Pesach
An eight-day spring holiday that begins on the 15th day of Nisan. Commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt with seder dinners and refraining from eating chametz, or leavened foods.
Purim
A spring holiday in the month of Adar celebrating the deliverance of Persian Jews as told in the book of Esther. Marked by merriment and joy.
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year (literally, “head of the year”). Occurs in the seventh month (Tishrei) of the Hebrew Calendar. The beginning of the High Holidays and the Days of Awe.
seder
Hebrew for “order.” It is not capitalized when used alone: “Did you go to a seder?” It is capitalized when it follows Passover: “My family holds a Passover Seder."
Sephardi Jews
(Sephardic, Sephardim) From the Hebrew word for Spain, an ethnic division of Jews who lived in Spain, the Mediterranean, and North Africa.
Shabbat
The Hebrew word for the Sabbath. Begins Friday at sundown, ends Saturday night. Traditionally observed as a time when work (and its many definitions) are prohibited. A common greeting: “Shabbat shalom,” or may you have a peaceful Sabbath. Known in Yiddish as Shabbos (see t vs. s).
shalom
“Peace” in Hebrew. Also used as a greeting, meaning “hello."
Shehecheyanu
A common Jewish prayer said to celebrate special occasions.
shul
Yiddish for synagogue.
Sukkot
An eight-day autumn harvest festival that begins on the 15th day of Tishrei. Involves creating booths and dwelling in them to commemorate the sheltering of the Israelites.
T vs. s
In Yiddish, many final “t” sounds in the original Hebrew words are pronounced as “s” and can be written as such: e.g., Shabbos (Shabbat), Succos (Sukkot), bris (brit milah).
Talmud
Commentary on the Torah that also serves as the major compendium of civil and ceremonial law. Also known as the oral Torah.
Tanakh
A name for the complete Hebrew Bible that is an acronym of its components: Torah (Five books of Moses), Nevi’im (prophets), and Ketuvim (writings, such as Psalms, Proverbs, and the Song of Songs).
tikkun olam
Hebrew for “repair the world.” Use italicized, lowercase, and followed by its translation in parentheses.
Torah
The five books of Moses. Can be lowercase and italic when meaning “learning” rather than referring to the actual text.
treif
Also transliterated “traif” or “treyf.” Any food that is not kosher, e.g., pork, shellfish, a cheeseburger.
tzedakah
Hebrew best translated as “the act of giving generously or in a meaningful way” in English. Its Hebrew root means “justice” – it is not charity that stems from kindness, but from righteousness and justice.
tzedek
Hebrew for “justice,” often social justice
Union of Reform Judaism (URJ)
Governing body of Reform Judaism in the U.S.
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ)
Governing body of Conservative Judaism in the U.S.
Yiddish
A language incorporating elements of German and Hebrew, developed by Jews in Eastern Europe.
Yom Kippur
The Day of Atonement, falling ten days after Rosh Hashanah and the end of the Days of Awe. Involves a 25 hour fast for those who are physically able. Also known as Shabbat Shabbaton, or the Shabbat of Shabbats. Widely considered the holiest day of the year for Jews.
Zaydie
Grandfather, in Hebrew. Uppercase if referring to a particular person. Lowercase if referring to “grandfather,” in general.
(z”l), (zt”l)
Honorifics for the dead. Used after the first mention of his or her name. The parentheses are roman, while inside them is in italics.
(z”l) stands for zikhrono/zikhronah livrakha, “may his/her memory be a blessing.” It is used for non-rabbinical figure.
(zt”l) stands for zekher tzadik livrakha and means “may the memory of the righteous be a blessing."
General-approved usage: spelling and grammar
In general, CJP follows the AP Stylebook. Exceptions and frequent reference items are listed here
501 (c)(3)
IRS tax exempt status. In order to maintain this status, CJP must remain politically neutral
academic degrees
If mention of degrees is necessary to establish someone's credentials, the preferred form is to avoid an abbreviation and use instead a phrase such as: John Jones, who has a doctorate in psychology.
Use an apostrophe in bachelor's degree, a master's, etc., but there is no possessive in Bachelor of Arts or Master of Science. Also: an associate degree (no possessive).
Use such abbreviations for earned degrees in leadership listings where appropriate, e.g., in the Health Professions Breakfast leadership listing.
When used after a name, an academic abbreviation is set off by commas.
Example:
Sarah Abramson, Ph.D., spoke
The following abbreviations are used to identify earned degrees. Phrases include periods and no spaces (except in the case of the MBA)
Bachelor of Arts: B.A.
Bachelor of Science: B.S.
Juris Doctor: J.D.
Master of Arts: M.A.
Master of Science: M.S.
Master of Business Administration: MBA
Master of Education: M.Ed.
Doctor of Education: Ed.D.
Doctor of Philosophy: Ph.D.
Doctor of Medicine: M.D.
Abbreviations follow normal rules about the definite article (a master’s degree, but an M.A.)
acronyms
The first time you mention an organization, spell out the entire name and follow with the acronym in parentheses. After that, use the acronym only.
Example: When I joined Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS), I wasn’t sure I would like it. Now when I talk about JBBBS, I encourage all my friends to volunteer.
Afghan / Afghani
The citizens of Afghanistan are Afghans. Similarly, it’s Afghan food, Afghan politics, and Afghan afghans. The only time to use “Afghani” is in reference to the unit of Afghan currency by that name. Afghans spend Afghanis.
alphabetization
Whenever possible, all lists should be in alphabetical order.
Abbreviations and acronyms: Spell out in lists. If space dictates using only the acronym or abbreviation, treat it as if it is spelled out unless it is a lexicon of abbreviations.
Example:
BHC is filed as Boston-Haifa Connection
JLE is filed as Jewish Learning and Engagement
Articles: disregard definite and indefinite articles unless it is considered an intrinsic part of the name.
Example:
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is filed under Boston
The Rashi School is filed under The
Names: if a pair has different last names, sort by the last name listed first.
Example:
Jennifer Abrams and Adam Schneider: Abrams, Jennifer
Jennifer Abrams Schneider and Adam Schneider: Schneider, Jennifer Abrams
Jennifer Abrams-Schneider and Adam Schneider: Abrams-Schneider, Jennifer
The Honorable and Mrs. Herbert Abrams: Abrams, Honorable
Punctuation: Ignore punctuation while alphabetizing.
Example:
Boston Children’s Hospital comes before B’nai Brith
a.m./p.m
see date and time.
ampersand
Only use the ampersand symbol (&) if it is part of a proper name, e.g., Barnes & Noble, Lawyers & Accountants.
antisemitism
One word, not anti-Semitism.
at-risk
see punctuation, hyphen.
Board
Capitalize when part of a proper name or title. See titles.
Example:
Dave currently serves on the Board of Governors. Dave is a long-standing board member.
Boston-area
Hyphenate when it modifies another word, no hyphen when it does not modify another word. See punctuation, hyphen.
Examples:
Boston-area Jews have long supported CJP
CJP is the largest Jewish charity in the Boston area
Bulleted lists
Capitalize the first word following the bullet. Whether a phrase or a complete sentence, use neither periods nor semicolons after each section unless the section contains two or more sentences.
Example:
- Boston-area Jews have long supported CJP
- CJP is the largest Jewish charity in the Boston area. We employ terrific people
- CJP is located on High Street
Capitalization
headlines and titles (writing)
CJP style is to use sentence case rather than title case for all headlines, subheads, CTA buttons, and titles.
However, when the title is the proper name of a piece, it is capitalized.
Examples:
The Miriam Fund: 18 years of doing things differently
Donor Impact Report
newspapers
Capitalize and italicize “the” in a newspaper’s name if that is the way the publication prefers to be known.
Lowercase “the” before newspaper names if a story mentions several papers, some of which use “the” as part of the name and some of which do not.
Examples:
Our speaker is a regular columnist with The Jerusalem Post. His book was reviewed in the Los Angeles Times
Have you seen Aviva’s recent op-ed in the Forward?
nouns
Proper nouns are capitalized. All other nouns are lowercase. Capitalize proper names of titles.
Continue to capitalize when not used as full proper name
Examples:
Co-chair Darren Black opened the meeting
Darren Black, Co-chair of the event, opened the meeting. The Pomegranate Society and Friends Event
Do not capitalize when verbing the noun
Example:
Darren Black co-chaired the event
See also titles (personal and organizational).
urls
Should always be lowercase
colons
see punctuation.
comma
see punctuation.
committee
see titles.
Communitywide
One word, no hyphen.
coronavirus
COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic, and the coronavirus (COVID-19) are all some of the ways we can reference it.
date and time
For virtual/hybrid events, add the time zone. Should look like:
Day, Date | Time ET
For in-person events, no need to add the time zone
Day, Date | Time
a.m./p.m. lowercase, periods between the letters. day/date/time Sunday, January 1, 2022 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
months always spell out
ranges use the en dash with no spaces
year only include for events November–February
departments and offices
see capitalization, see titles.
dollars
see numbers.
em dash
see punctuation.
e.g.
An abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia (examples given). It is used to introduce an illustrative but non-exhaustive list. It is always followed by a comma.
Do not use “etc.” at the end of the list of examples as “e.g.” automatically implies that there are other examples (et cetera literally means “and others”).
Example:
I love many Jewish foods, e.g., challah, gefilte fish, and bagels.
See also i.e.
ebook
No hyphen, follows typical capitalization rules.
No hyphen, follows typical capitalization rules.
For CJP email rules, see CJP approved copy, contact information.
en dash
see punctuation.
Enewsletter
No hyphen, follows typical capitalization rules.
Ethiopian Israeli, see punctuation, hyphen.
family-friendly
Former Soviet Union (FSU)
Spell out on first use, followed by FSU after first use.
grant-making
Hyphenated.
God
Capitalize God in references to the deity of all monotheistic religions. Capitalize all noun references to the deity: God the Father, Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Allah, etc.
Use lowercase personal pronouns: he, him, thee, thou.
Lowercase gods and goddesses in references to the deities of polytheistic religions. Lowercase god, gods, and goddesses in literary devices: He made money his god.
Greater Boston area
Capital G, lowercase a. Use whole phrase to be inclusive of communities outside Boston proper.
healthcare
One word, no hyphen, lowercase.
hors d’oeuvres
Correct spelling.
i.e.
An abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est (it is). It is used to explain, clarify, or rephrase a statement. It is always followed by a comma.
In the rare case that it is used to introduce a list, the entire, exhaustive list must be used
Example:
Have you visited the best Jewish website, i.e., www.jewishboston.com, yet?
The Obama family had the cutest First Dogs in the White House, i.e., Bo and Sunny
See also e.g.
internet
see also capitalization, nouns.
Lowercase
italics
We break with AP style and use italics in the following ways:
Words in Hebrew or Yiddish (or other languages) that are not well-known (followed by English in parentheses).
During Pesach (Passover), my family attends a seder.
Publication names (books, television shows, movies, magazines, etc.)
Start Up Nation
The Office
Los Angeles Times
The New Yorker
see also: capitalization, newspapers.
Kyiv
Capital of Ukraine, pronounced KEE-yeev. A 2019 change to the AP stylebook, in line with the Ukrainian government’s preferred transliteration to English and increasing usage. The style for the food dish remains the same: chicken Kiev.
less than vs. fewer than
“Less than” is used for uncountable or mass nouns, while “fewer than” is used for countable nouns.
There is an exception: use “less than” for time, money, and distance.
Examples:
I should eat fewer M&M’s (countable).
I see less clutter on my desk (can’t count individually).
I paid less than $400 (money exception).
LGBTQIA+
Acronyms used to describe the community of people who don’t identify as heterosexual, straight, or cisgender. As the world gains a better understanding of people’s different sexual orientations and gender identities, the words and letters that we use to describe the community will continue to evolve.
livestream
One word.
more than vs. over
The AP style guide has been updated to allow both “more than” and “over” in all uses to indicate greater numerical value.
Example:
The event raised more than $550,000.
The event raised over $500,000.
names within a CJP article
Use the first and last name on first reference, and just the first name on second reference. If the story has two different people of the first name, use a last name as well.
non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Hyphenate.
nonprofit
One word, no hyphen.
numbers
Spell out numerals one through nine, use numerals for 10 and above. Exception: when the number is describing a percentage, always spell out. Always spell out any number that begins a sentence.
Hyphenate years (20-year history) when providing a duration of time in history. For numbers greater than 999, use commas to demarcate.
dollars
For dollar figures equal to or more than one million dollars, present as $1 million; $10 billion, etc.
For dollar figures less than $1 million present as $900,000; $250; $9.99; $4 etc. Do not follow the numerals with the word “dollars.”
Use a comma within amounts equal to greater than $1,000.
million
Million can be denoted by MM (with a space between the numeral and the MM) when referencing financial numbers
Example:
We have reached our goal of $45 MM for our Annual Campaign.
percent
We break with AP style and use numerals and the % symbol. Use decimals, not fractions.
punctuation
colons
Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence.
Examples:
Join us: Our party will take place this Saturday!
The baker told us her secret ingredient: buttermilk.
comma
Commas are used to set off phrases that are inessential to the structure of the sentence or that can stand on their own, elements in a series, or to demarcate numbers.
CJP style dictates use of the Oxford comma in series.
Examples:
Inessential phrase: I painted the room my favorite color, which is blue.
Stand on their own: I painted the room my favorite color, and I love it! In a series: The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.
Numbers: I love the band 10,000 Maniacs.
Common pitfalls:
Ranges: There is no comma in a “from x to y” phrase
Phrases that can’t quite stand on their own: No comma in “I painted the room my favorite color and love it.”
“That” does not take a comma – it is an essential descriptor. “Which” does take a comma.
ellipses
Used to shorten quotations: space, three periods, space.
Example:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a … man … must be in want of a wife.”
Used to trail off a thought: no space, three periods, space.
Example:
“What is that word? I wonder… ”
em dash
Used as a break in a sentence. Surrounded by spaces. Also used when attributing a quote.
Example:
She wondered if it was true — and it was!
Microsoft Office shortcut: CTRL ALT subtraction sign on the number pad
en dash
Used to bridge ranges. No spaces.
Example:
Young adults, ages 22–45 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
Microsoft Office shortcut: CTRL subtraction sign on the number pad
hyphen
Particularly used when joining double modifiers, or when two words are modifying something else. Do not use if the first word in the multiple modifier is an adverb ending in -ly
Examples:
family-friendly event
blue-green color
happily married couple
tax-deductible donation
quotation marks
“” Double quotes are used in American English. ‘’ Single quotes refer to quotes within quotes.
RSVP
All capitals. Do not use the word “please” before RSVP to avoid redundancy.
Street, Avenue, Boulevard
Spell out. Capitalize when part of a proper noun phrase.
Example:
I work at 126 High Street
See also CJP approved and essential copy, directions.
tax deductible
see punctuation, hyphen.
that vs. which
see punctuation, comma.
titles
toward
American usage calls for toward, no s.
U.S.
Always include a period after both initials.
urls
see also, capitalization, urls.
Do not include http:// or www.
web
see also capitalization, nouns.
Always lowercase.
website
see also capitalization, nouns.
Always lowercase.