REFERENCE BOOKS
Dictionaries
Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition
Use the first spelling and first plural given. Capitalize words according to main entry or if a definition is
labeled cap; lowercase if labeled often cap unless listed differently in this style guide.
Style manuals
First reference is the StayWell Editorial Style Guide. Second reference is AP, but use Merriam-Webster
for spelling queries. For further reference, consult the Chicago Manual of Style.
Usage guides
Use Words Into Type for grammar and usage. Also see Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, Follett’s
Modern American Usage, and The American Heritage Dictionary usage notes.
Medical references
Our main medical dictionary reference is Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary (32nd ed.), followed
by Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary (22nd ed.), Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine (9th ed.),
Physicians’ Desk Reference, The Merck Manual, and The AMA Encyclopedia of Medicine.
Last revised: April 2015
©2015 StayWell. All rights reserved.
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A
Avoid ending lines with the word A when it begins a new sentence.
AA
Alcoholics Anonymous
AARP
formal name of the organization; formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons
abbreviations and acronyms
1. Generally, do not use abbreviations in running text for terms that normally are spelled out. If you need
to avoid repeating long terms or phrases, use the full term first, then the abbreviation in parentheses:
primary care physician (PCP).
NOTE: If abbreviation is well known (such as FBI, FDA, CDC), no need to spell out even on first
reference. Spell out or abbreviate at editor’s discretion.
2. Some abbreviations are more recognizable than their full terms and, in many cases, are main entries in
the dictionary, such as HMO, IUD, IV, SPF, YMCA, YWCA, CPR. In these cases, you may use the
abbreviation first, with its full term in parentheses afterward. No need to spell out SPF, HMO, PPO, IUD,
IV.
3. Abbreviations may be used in tables, charts, and the like, with a footnote containing the full term if it is
not a commonly used abbreviation.
4. Generally, avoid using etc., i.e., e.g., in text; use the phrases and so forth, that is, for example.
5. Generally, it’s OK to use an abbreviation for metric units on first reference, if widely recognizable (g,
mg). Use your judgment.
6. a. Generally, eliminate periods in units of all kinds (mph, mg) unless confusing (in. for inch, no. for
number), recipe terms (tsp., tbsp.), acronyms (COBRA, FACS), and shortened forms (HMO, COB).
b. Retain most other periods for abbreviations, especially for terms with a strong tradition for their use
and terms normally always abbreviated (Dr., Ph.D.).
c. Use periods with abbreviations of health care degrees (M.D., R.N., L.P.N., P.A.).
7. Abbreviations composed of letters from a single word do not take periods (ID, TV).
8. Plurals: Add s to abbreviations that do not use periods (HMOs); add ’s to abbreviations that use periods
(M.D.’s) or that end in s (SOS’s).
NOTE: There is no space between letters and periods of an abbreviation (P.O. Box) or between the initials
of a person’s name (J.H. Smith, M.F.K. Fisher).
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academic degrees1
Bachelor of Arts, B.A. (no spaces), bachelor’s degree, Bachelor of Arts in history; Master of Arts, M.A.,
master’s degree, Master of Arts in history; Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D., doctorate: She received a
master’s degree in nursing. Or: She received her Master of Arts six years ago. Use the abbreviations only
after a person’s name: Mary Andrews, Ph.D. Avoid using the courtesy title Dr. for a person with a Ph.D.
accreditation
The NCQA awards five types: Excellent, Commendable, Accredited, Provisional, and Denied.
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
The abbreviation, AIDS, is acceptable in all references. NOTE: AIDS is the disease; HIV is the virus.
acronyms
Try to avoid “alphabet soup” as much as possible.
ADD
attention deficit disorder (see ADHD); according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADHD is
preferred
additionally
DO NOT USE. Use In addition.
addresses
1. When giving or listing full addresses, use the following abbreviations for street designations: Ave.,
Blvd., St., Pkwy., Tpk. Spell out all others, and do not abbreviate street designations when they appear
without the full address. Always spell out Road and Drive.
2. Use the two-letter post office abbreviation for a state only when it is followed by the ZIP code. For
partial locations in text, use AP abbreviations (Walden Pond is in Concord, Mass.). See state names. Spell
out state names when no city/town is given.
3. No comma between state and ZIP code.
4. Use periods in P.O., but no space between them.
5. Do not abbreviate North, East, South, or West when used before or after a street name, but use NW, SE,
NE, and SW before or after a street name.
6. Building comes before street address (Midtown Plaza II, 1360 Peachtree St., Suite 300, Atlanta, GA
30309).
ADHD
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (see ADD); according to the Attention Deficit Disorder
Association, ADHD is preferred
advance directive
An advance directive describes the care a patient wants if he or she becomes unable to make medical
decisions. Examples: living will (allows a terminally ill patient to describe the kind of treatment he or she
wants in certain situations); durable power of attorney for health care (states whom the patient has chosen
to make health care decisions if the patient becomes unable to do so); do-not-resuscitate order (patient’s
request to not have CPR if his or her heartbeat or breathing stops).
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Using periods is AP style as well as a preference of many of our clients.
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Affordable Care Act
See Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
African-Americans
Make sure that this term (not black) is used in article sources; otherwise use black.
afterward
not afterwards
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
ages
Use figures for ages: 2-month-old baby, 5-year-olds, 25 years old, in her 50s, infants younger than age 6
months. Do not use aged as an adjective. For people: age 13 or older, age 25, teenage, school-age, ages
35 to 40, between ages 40 and 50, ages 65 and older. EXCEPTION: middle-aged. See Over/Under.
AIDS
acquired immune deficiency syndrome; NOTE: AIDS is the disease; HIV is the virus.
Al-Anon, Alateen
all
not all of
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
also may
Use may also instead.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (the College)
Use the College on second reference to distinguish from the American Congress of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (ACOG).
American College of Sports Medicine, in Indianapolis
American Indian2
not Native American
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
DO NOT USE. See bicycle helmets.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
DO NOT USE. See bicycle helmets.
ampersand (&)
Do not use in text except for medical tests and procedures (D&C), company names designated by initials
(AT&T), or company names that include an ampersand as part of their official name (the American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology). Exceptions may also be made for “Post & Save,” “Q &
A,” “Lunch & Learn,” etc.
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This is the preferred term according to both AP and the Chicago Manual of Style.
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ANSI
American National Standards Institute. DO NOT USE—see U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
anti-inflammatory
apostrophe
1. Plural words ending in s need apostrophe only (two days’ work). Proper nouns ending in s need
apostrophe only (Ms. Adams’ home). Common nouns ending in s need an apostrophe plus s.
2. Use ’s to form plurals of abbreviations that use periods (M.D.’s, Ph.D.’s).
3. Do not use with plurals of years (1990s) or all-cap abbreviations that don’t have periods (HMOs).
4. Use after a single letter (p’s and q’s, z’s) but not after multiple letters together (ABCs). See also plurals.
app, application
app is OK for all references
Area Agencies on Aging
art credits/disclaimers
See photo/illustration credits.
asthmatics
DO NOT USE. Use people with asthma.
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
DO NOT USE. See bicycle helmets.
at risk
Use at risk for, not at risk of unless the word after of is a gerund. For example: at risk of developing, but
at risk for heart disease. Capitalize both “at” and “risk” when they’re part of a headline. See also risk.
attention deficit disorder (ADD)
According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADHD is preferred.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, ADHD is preferred over ADD.
avian flu
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baby boomer
a U.S. adult born between 1946 and 1964
babysit, babysitting, babysat, babysitter
backache
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bacteria
can take either a singular or a plural verb; see also Latin names
bad breaks
Orphan: any fraction of a word carried down to the last line of a paragraph. A complete word may form
the last line of a paragraph as long as it is five letters (or six characters) or more. If possible, the last line
of each paragraph should take up at least one-third of the column’s width.
Widow: a short single line at the top of a column. At the top of any column there should be a minimum of
one full line plus a second line that takes up at least one-third of the column width. Avoid two-letter word
breaks at the left margin. See hyphenation/hyphens, prefixes, word breaks.
Band-Aid
Band-Aid is a brand name. Suggest using adhesive bandage instead.
because
If the following clause is essential, don’t use a comma before because. (“I went to the doctor because I
was sick.”)
benefits
usually plural in form when pertaining to health plan or insurance coverage: benefits package
benefits plan administrator
beta agonist
beta-blocker
beta-carotene
beta-2 agonist
bibliography style for sources3
Article in a periodical:
“Early Detection of Undiagnosed Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.” M. Harris. Journal of the
American Medical Association. October 16, 1996, vol. 276, no. 15, pp. 1261–62.
Article in a periodical, posted on a website:
“Using Medications Appropriately in Older Adults.” C.M. Williams. American Family Physician. April
16, 2004, vol. 66, no. 10, www.agp.org.
Article on a website, no author:
“Medicines: A Guide for Older Adults.” Council on Family Health.
www.cfhinfo.org/PDFs/Medicines_and_you_English.pdf.
Article in MedlinePlus encyclopedia:
“Diabetes.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001214.htm.
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Note: All dates must be deleted from print article bibliographies before they’re added to the database.
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Book:
“Stress, Behavior, and Heart Disease.” M.M. Burg. Yale University School of Medicine Heart Book. 3rd
ed. B.L. Zaret et al., eds. New York: Hearst Books, 1992, pp. 102–04.
Brochures:
Prevention of Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 1999.
Two authors:
C.M. Williams and J. Jones.
More than two authors:
C.M. Williams et al.
Page numbers:
When citing page numbers, use the following guidelines from the MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers: “In indicating a range of numbers, give the second number in full for numbers through
99 (2–3, 10–12, 21–48, 89–99). For larger numbers, give only the last two digits of the second number,
unless more are necessary (96–101, 103–04, 395–401, 923–1003, 1003–05, 1608–774).”
Examples:
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If you used pp. 57 through 59, cite “pp. 57–59.”
If you used pp. 257 through 261, cite “pp. 257–61.”
If you used pp. 205 through 209, cite “pp. 205–09.”
bicycle helmets
As of February 1, 1999, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) tests bicycle helmets for
their ability to protect the head from injury and administers safety standards. Helmets that meet impact
standards have a CPSC label inside. Don’t use ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or ASTM
(American Society for Testing and Materials).
birth weight
BUT low-birth-weight babies
black
See ethnic groups.
blood pressure
Use mmHg as measurement.
Normal: lower than 120/lower than 80
Prehypertensive: 120–139/80–89
High: 140/90 and higher
BMJ 4
preferred over British Medical Journal
board certified, board eligible
Do not hyphenate, even before a noun—this is a restrictive modifier.
body mass index (BMI)
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Per the BMJ website.
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bone mineral density test
books
Mentioned in text: The doctor’s first book, Staying Healthy (Little Brown, 1992), was good.
brand-name drug
a drug named and trademarked by the original manufacturer
breast-feeding
brochure titles
initial cap and italicize (Tips for Avoiding Heart Disease)
brussels sprout
bullet style
Use an initial cap in all cases. Always use a period at the end of the bullet item if it forms a complete
sentence by itself. Do not use a period in lists of words or simple phrases, or when the phrase completes a
statement. For example: If you want to help a person quit smoking, you can:
 Not smoke around him or her
 Throw away his or her cigarettes
Bullets should offer parallel construction.
bylines
Features: Lowercase by, and include relevant health degrees: by Janet Jones, R.D. At the end of a short
piece, especially staff-written pieces, use italics preceded by an em dash5 (no space in-between):
—Samantha Brown
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calcium channel blocker
callouts
should not fall immediately before or after or interrupt the copy they call out and should have at least two
lines of a paragraph above and below them or fall between paragraphs. May be edited or paraphrased
from text copy. Do not break words (hyphenate) in callouts. If callout is a quote, insert quote marks
around callout.
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Not all browsers can display the em dash. For online content, use a hyphen instead.
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capitalization
1. For titles of articles, books, and the like: Capitalize the first and last word and all nouns, pronouns,
verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and conjugated forms of the verb “to be.” Also cap prepositions and coordinate
conjunctions of five letters or more, all subordinate conjunctions,6 the first word after a colon or em dash,
and both words of a hyphenated compound. Lowercase conjunctions, articles, and prepositions of four or
fewer letters, unless part of a verb (for example, Round Up and Check Out) or a word considered to be an
“intimately qualifying word” (such as At Risk). (See Words Into Type, pages 146–147.) See also the.
For example: When to Use Heat and When to Use Cold for an Injury and Are Your Kids At Risk for Heart
Disease?
2. For professional titles: In text, capitalize a title when it precedes the name (Chief Executive Officer
Marc Kimball, of Waban Professionals). Lowercase a title when it comes after name or if set off by
commas. Do not cap occupations (nurse-midwife, neurosurgeon). Cap proper name of a
department/service but not informal or generic references: Customer Service Department.
3. Capitalize the edition of any of our publications: in the Spring 1994 issue of Digest.
captions
head shot: name (and sometimes title)
group photo:
1. L to R: John Doe, Jane Doe, James Doe
2. L to R: (front) John Doe, Jane Doe, James Doe; (group) Joe Smith, Jan Smith, Jen Smith
3. Your Health Plan employees take part in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica for Healthier Babies. L to
R: John Doe, Jane Doe, James Doe
Photos other than identification of people: Use a period if caption is a full sentence, no period if it’s an
incomplete sentence.
For captions that include a person’s name and degree, use the following punctuation: John Smith, M.D.,
(left) is director of the program.
carbohydrates
Carbs is acceptable after the first reference.
cardiovascular disease
Cannot be used interchangeably with heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is a broad term used to
describe all diseases of the heart and blood vessel system, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension,
and congestive heart failure.
care
Do not use a hyphen with compound modifiers that end with the word care if they are related to the health
or medical industry: primary care physician, health care plan, urgent care facility, critical care nurse.
See Words Into Type for compound modifier hyphenation guidelines.
car seat
CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan
no longer used; now use CT (computed tomography) scan
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Conjunctions are either coordinating (joining elements of equal rank, such as and, or, but, for, yet, and so) or
subordinating (introducing a subordinate element: when, where, because, since, though, and so that). See Words Into
Type, p. 374.
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catalog
NOT catalogue
cellphone
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in Atlanta
takes singular verb, sometimes preceded by U.S.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
takes singular verb; see CMS
Certificate of Coverage (COC)
certified nurse-midwife
cesarean section
Never use cesarean alone (without section). C-section OK if necessary for space.
chance/chances
Use chance for, not chance of unless the word after of is a gerund. For example: chances of developing,
but chances for heart disease.
checkup (noun), check up (verb), check-up (adjective)
chemical dependency
Do not hyphenate as an attributive adjective: chemical dependency programs.
chickenpox
See immunizations.
child-care options
but He provided us with child care.
cholesterol (see also HDL and LDL)
Total cholesterol level includes HDL level and LDL level.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol.
In text, refer to it as:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol
HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol (NOT HDL, the “good cholesterol”)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol
LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol (NOT LDL, the “bad cholesterol”)
OK to say HDL level or LDL level.
Total blood cholesterol:
Lower than 200 mg/dl
200–239 mg/dl
240 mg/dl and higher
Desirable
Borderline High Risk
High Risk
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LDL:
New guidelines say research doesn’t support “one size fits all” ranges for healthy and unhealthy
LDL. Treatment needs vary based on gender, race, age, health history, and other heart disease risk
factors. Consult your doctor.
HDL:
Lower than 40 mg/dl for men
Lower than 50 mg/dl for women
60 mg/dl and above
Low HDL (higher risk)
Low HDL (higher risk)
High HDL (lower risk)
church services
AVOID. Use religious services instead.
city designations
The following cities do not need to be followed by their state names:
Atlanta
Honolulu
New York
Baltimore
Houston
Oklahoma City
Boston
Indianapolis
Omaha
Chicago
Iowa City
Philadelphia
Cincinnati
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Cleveland
Memphis
Pittsburgh
Dallas
Miami
Salt Lake City
Denver
Milwaukee
San Diego
Des Moines
Minneapolis
San Francisco
Detroit
Nashville
Seattle
Hartford
New Orleans
St. Louis
All others should be followed with the state name (see state names). Use AP (“state names”).
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
takes singular verb; see Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
COB
coordination of benefits
COBRA
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
COC
Certificate of Coverage
collective nouns: verb agreement
Nouns that denote a unit usually take a singular verb. Examples: staff, jury, audience, crowd, committee,
group, orchestra.
The exception is when the individual members of the group are to be emphasized. For example:
“The staff is in a meeting,” but “The staff are in disagreement about the findings.”
“The crowd shouts,” but “The crowd are running hither and thither.”
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colon
1. In text, use an initial cap after a colon if the material that follows it is a complete sentence, and use
lowercase if it is not a complete sentence. Colons should be placed outside quotation marks or
parentheses.
2. Use a colon to introduce formal statements or quotations of more than one sentence.
3. Use a colon after the following or as follows unless it precedes a series of long sentences or paragraphs.
comma7
1. StayWell uses the serial comma: We bought apples, peaches, and pears.
2. Generally, a comma is not needed before the conjunction in a compound predicate: She wanted a new
car and had saved for the down payment. A comma may be needed to prevent misreading (see Words Into
Type, p. 186) and may be used before but.
3. Use a comma after introductory adverbial phrases of five words or more and when such a phrase ends
with a verb or preposition and precedes a noun: Soon after, their bus arrived.
4. Use a comma after introductory infinitive phrases: To get to the doctor’s office, she had to take two
buses and walk a half mile.
5. Use a comma after introductory clauses: When you make an appointment, be sure to have your CIGNA
HealthCare ID number handy. If you have diabetes, it’s important to...
6. Use a comma with numbers of more than three digits: 1,000.
7. Use a comma after specifying phrases: Call Member Services at 800-523-6000, Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8. Avoid using a comma after the first word in a sentence, unless clearly necessary.
9. Dates: June 1987; In 1941 the war…; On June 15, 1987, we went…
10. Do not use a comma between two imperative sentences: Go to your room and do your homework.
11. Use a comma before and after a state (whether spelled out or not) if a city precedes the state: We went
to Athens, Ga., for our vacation.
12. No comma before Jr. or Sr., per AP.
compared to/compared with
Use compared to when you want to put two things in the same category: The new antibiotic is so effective
that it has been compared to penicillin. Use compared with to examine the difference between two things:
The woman was in good physical shape compared with other women her age.
compound words (see also hyphenation)
See Words Into Type, Copy-Editing Style section, Compound Words entry, or AP.
Although it isn’t AP style, we use the serial comma because it provides the greatest clarity and the least room for
misunderstanding/confusion.
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computed tomography (CT) scan
Use CT (computed tomography) scan; do not use CAT scan.
computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan
no longer used—now use CT (computed tomography) scan
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
In 1989 Congress amended the health care continuation rules, commonly known as COBRA.
Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS)
Usually seen with HEDIS copy, a survey and information tool that helps consumers evaluate health
plans. Administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, www.ahrq.gov. Only use
registration mark at first reference. Insert footnote at bottom of page saying CAHPS is a registered
trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
consumer-directed health plan
Also referred to as “consumer-driven” or “consumer choice” health plan. A relatively new type of health
plan designed to give consumers more control over a portion of their health benefit dollars, typically
through a health fund or account that can be used to pay for covered medical expenses.
continued lines
Use italics, lowercase, and parentheses; spell out page: (continued on next page [flush right]) and
(continued from previous page[flush left]).
coordination of benefits (COB)
copayment (noun)
Avoid copay except in tables, charts, etc., or per assigned editor.
copyright
Copyrights for publications should coincide with the year in which the publication is distributed. If an
issue is printed in 2014 but will be in homes in January of 2015, the copyright date is © 2015.
courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs.)
DO NOT USE unless client preference.
coworker
COX-2 inhibitor
CPR
acceptable in all references for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (see bicycle helmets)
credentialing
CT (computed tomography) scan
now used in place of CAT scan
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da Vinci Surgical System
dashes
See em dash and en dash.
data
Uses a singular verb in most cases, particularly when used to mean “information.” (See the American
Heritage Dictionary and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, for examples.)
dates
June 1987 (no comma)
In 1941 the war … (no comma)
On June 15, 1987, we went …
the 1970s (no apostrophe)
the mid-1890s
the 25th of the month
the 5th of January
the ’60s
the first and third Wednesdays of the month; BUT the first or third Wednesday of the month
Always spell out months except in charts or if client requests.
daylight saving time
days
Use an en dash or through to indicate a range (in text: Monday through Friday; in chart: Monday–Friday).
Spell out days except in charts. Keep consistent.
deaf and hard of hearing
Use for TTY (do not use TDD unless plan requests) and in text. But: If you are deaf or hard of hearing …
preferred usage per American Association of the Deaf.
decks
Generally, decks do not end with a period (no end punctuation).
DEET
an insect repellent
degrees
In running text, use the word, not the symbol: a temperature of 101 degrees; a 101-degree fever; water
temperature of 120 degrees; It was a perfect day—75 degrees, blue sky (don’t need to use Fahrenheit, but
may). May use the symbol in charts, tables, etc.
degrees, academic8
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), a degree, not a person—Incorrect: She is an M.D. Correct: She has an M.D.
Doctor of Optometry, O.D.
Doctor of Osteopathy, D.O.
Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharm.D.
diabetes
type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes
Avoid the outmoded terms of insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes for type 1 and non-insulin-dependent
and adult-onset diabetes for type 2.
8
Using periods is AP style as well as a preference of many of our clients.
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diabetics
DO NOT USE. Use people with diabetes.
die of, not die from
dietary reference intakes (DRIs)
This series of recommended daily nutrient intakes is gradually replacing the recommended dietary
allowance (RDA). The Institute of Medicine sets DRIs.
dietitian
different from/different than
Different from is the correct usage.
dimensions
not larger than 6 by 6 feet
from 6 to 12 inches high
2-by-4-inch lumber
two-by-fours (noun)
12- and 14-foot lengths
a 12- to 15-foot tree
6-square-foot room
1.2 million-square-foot building
With by, use hyphens and close up. With to, use hyphens but don’t close up.
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)
diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) (preferred over DTP—CDC recommends because DTaP
is less likely to cause an adverse reaction). Also see immunizations. Use acronym first, then spell out.
directions
Spell out; don’t abbreviate. For example: East Main St. See also addresses.
disk/disc
Use disc for optical, laser, and CD/record references. Use disk for medical- and computer-related
instances.
DME
durable medical equipment, such as beds, crutches, and wheelchairs
DNR
A do-not-resuscitate order is a patient’s request not to have CPR if his or her heartbeat or breathing stops.
Spell out on first reference.
do’s and don’ts
Down syndrome
Dr.
Use Dr. (Dr. Welby) after previously using whole name and degree (Marcus Welby, M.D.). Avoid using
Dr. for a person with a Ph.D.
drinks
Serving sizes are considered to be 12 ounces beer, 5 ounces wine, 1.5 ounces 80-proof distilled spirits.
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drop caps
Do not use drop caps with all-cap abbreviations.
drug formulary
“drugs on the formulary” (not “in the formulary”)
drugs
Capitalize the first letter of the names of brand-name drugs; lowercase the names of generic drugs.
durable medical equipment (DME)
such as beds, crutches, and wheelchairs
durable power of attorney
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e-book, e-newsletter, e-reader
but email
ECG
electrocardiogram
E. coli (Escherichia coli)
See Latin names.
e-commerce
e.g.
Avoid this abbreviation, which means for example. Also not interchangeable with i.e.
elderly
Avoid this term. Use mature adults or older adults instead.
ellipses
Use spaces before and after, but no spaces between periods. If a period precedes the ellipses, put a space
between the period and the ellipses, per AP.
em dash9
Use em dashes to (1) denote a change of thought in a sentence, (2) create an emphatic pause, (3) perform
the same function as parentheses, and (4) attribute text to a source. Do not insert spaces around em
dashes. No space needed for em dash before byline.
email
Bold addresses.10 (Editor and designer can use discretion if address is included multiple times in one
article, if it’s in a subhead or headline, or if surrounding text is already bold; for instance, printing the
address in a different color could achieve the same effect.) Avoid breaking if possible. Break before
period and after slash if necessary. Don’t introduce a hyphen to break a word within the address.
9
Not all browsers can display the em dash. For online content, use a hyphen instead.
Bolding websites, email addresses, and phone numbers helps them “pop,” drawing the reader’s attention and
providing value from a marketing perspective.
10
16
en dash
An en dash (–) is shorter than an em dash but longer than a hyphen. It represents the word to and indicates
continuous or inclusive numbers or time: 1999–2000, June–August 1984, pp. 32–42. Do not use en dashes
in from-to or between-and constructions: from May to June 1984, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Other uses: a
New York–based firm; pre–Civil War period. No space on either side of en dashes. No need to repeat
measurements or time: 15–35 mg, 8–10 a.m.
end slugs
If product uses end slugs, insert them at the end of the last line of the last paragraph of all articles.
EXCEPTIONS: Don’t use for text inside a box, at the end of lists, or at the end of the last paragraph when
a chart accompanies the article.
EOB (explanation of benefits)
Under some health plans, an explanation of benefits (EOB) form is mailed or emailed to the enrollee to
explain how a health benefits claim was paid. In addition to claims payment information, the EOB often
includes information on the appeals process.
ethnic groups
African-American and black are not interchangeable. Look at article sources to make sure the correct term
is being used. Hyphenate African-American, Asian-American, and Mexican-American. DO NOT
hyphenate French Canadian, American Indian, or Latin American. Hispanic is preferred over Latino.
Refer as specifically as possible to country of origin. Both Caucasian and white are acceptable, but white
is preferred among health organizations.
eustachian tube
explanation of benefits (EOB)
Under some health plans, an explanation of benefits (EOB) form is mailed or emailed to the enrollee to
explain how a health benefits claim was paid. In addition to claims payment information, the EOB often
includes information on the appeals process.
F
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Fahrenheit
Do not use degree symbol unless requested by client. The word degrees alone is OK. See degrees.
farmers market
no apostrophe
FDA
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (NOT Federal Drug Administration)
fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
a test for blood in the stool
fellowship-trained
first aid, first aid kit
17
first names, use of
Bring to the attention of the assigned editor, but often used in profiles. Refer to children ages 15 and
younger by first name on second reference.
flexible spending account (FSA)
A tax-advantaged account established in connection with an employer-sponsored benefits plan that can be
used to pay for medical expenses. Contributions to the FSA are typically made by the employee. The
contributions are free of federal, Social Security, and most state taxes.
flextime
flu (influenza)
See immunizations.
FOBT (fecal occult blood test)
a test for blood in the stool
follow-up (noun and adjective), follow up (verb)
foodborne
Food Guide Pyramid
The Food Guide Pyramid was developed and issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1992. In
2011, MyPlate replaced MyPyramid as the primary food group symbol.
foreign phrases
Set common phrases that are in the dictionary in roman, all others in italics.
FORTUNE 500
fractions
1. For fractions less than one, spell out in articles, using hyphens between the words: one-half, two-thirds,
four-fifths, seven-sixteenths. But I spent a half hour at the dentist.
2. In tabular material, use figures exclusively. Also see AP.
3. For fractional numbers greater than one, use figures. When using mixed numbers without decimals,
use 1 1/2, 2 5/8, etc. with a full space between the whole number and the fraction. But convert to a
decimal whenever practical (1.5 pounds), except recipes (see below).
4. For recipes, do not use decimals (11/2 teaspoons).
5. For words that incorporate half and quarter, look them up in the dictionary to see whether they’re
hyphenated. For example: half brother. If the word is not in the dictionary, hyphenate it. For example:
quarter-century.
6. If one fraction in an article is typed as one unit (such as ½), keep consistency throughout. If a fraction
does not appear as one unit (such as 3/16), type all other fractions in the same style 11.
11
Not all browsers can handle the fraction symbol. For online content, use numbers and a slash to represent a
numeric fraction.
18
-free (adjective combining form)
as in toll-free, drug-free
free-weights
french fries
no capitalization because french refers to the cut, not the country
friend, follow
Acceptable as both verbs and nouns when writing about social media. Typically, you friend someone on
Facebook, and you follow them on Twitter.
FSA (flexible spending account)
A tax-advantaged account established in connection with an employer-sponsored benefits plan that can be
used to pay for medical expenses. Contributions to the FSA are typically made by the employee. The
contributions are free of federal, Social Security, and most state taxes.
G
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generic drugs
The active ingredient in a generic drug is identical to that of its brand-name equivalent. Don’t confuse
generic drugs with similar drugs, using different ingredients, that may be used to treat the same ailment.
ginkgo
gluten-free
gonorrhea
good night
grades
fourth-grader, 10th-grader, fourth grade, 10th grade
grievance committee
group A β-hemolytic streptococcus
H
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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
See immunizations.
half
For words that incorporate half, look them up in the dictionary to see whether they’re hyphenated. For
example: half brother. If the word is not in the dictionary, hyphenate it. For example: half-cup. See
fractions.
half hour
per Webster’s 11th
19
Hb A1c
or hemoglobin A1c
H2-receptor antagonist/H2 blocker
used to reduce stomach acid and symptoms of gastric ulcers
HDL
high-density lipoprotein (see cholesterol)
he/she
Avoid where possible by using plurals, or use he or she and him or her.
headlines
1. Capitalize the first and last word and all nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and conjugated
forms of the verb “to be.” Also cap prepositions and coordinate conjunctions of five letters or more, all
subordinate conjunctions,12 the first word after a colon or em dash, and both words of a hyphenated
compound. Lowercase conjunctions, articles, and prepositions of four or fewer letters, unless part of a
verb (for example, Round Up and Check Out) or a word considered to be an “intimately qualifying word”
(such as At Risk). (See Words Into Type, pages 146–147.) See also capitalization and the.
2. Always use numerals for numbers, but spell out fractions.
3. Use single quotation marks.
health care (noun, adjective)
health care coverage
Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®)
A set of measurements used to grade a health plan’s performance in several areas of health care delivery.
Add registration mark only at first reference. A footnote should say, HEDIS is a registered trademark of
the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
health maintenance organization (HMO)
can either write out or use acronym at first reference
health risk appraisal
healthy
preferred over healthful or healthfully (Example: Eat a healthy diet.)
hearing-impaired
DO NOT USE. Use deaf or hard of hearing in text and deaf and hard of hearing with telephone numbers,
per preferred usage of the American Association of the Deaf.
12
Conjunctions are either coordinating (joining elements of equal rank, such as and, or, but, for, yet, and so) or
subordinating (introducing a subordinate element: when, where, because, since, though, and so that). See Words Into
Type, p. 374.
20
heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrest
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when one or more arteries supplying blood to the heart
becomes blocked. Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when a weakened heart can no longer
effectively pump blood. Cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac arrest, occurs when the heart suddenly stops
beating. It can be due to a heart attack or heart rhythm problem or as a result of electrocution or other
trauma (per AP).
heartbeat
heart failure
Use this term, not chronic heart failure or congestive heart failure. (Note: Congestive heart failure is a
specific type of heart failure that results in a patient retaining excessive fluid, often leading to swelling of
legs and ankles and congestion in the lungs … use this term only when an article specifically addresses
this form of heart failure.)
heart-healthy
hyphenate (a heart-healthy diet; a diet that is heart-healthy)
heatstroke
help/helping
Avoid adding “to” after them unless it seems necessary. (Use your judgment.)
helpline
hemoglobin A1c
or Hb A1c
hepatitis A and B vaccines
See immunizations.
high and low
When used as part of a compound adjective, use a hyphen; e.g., low-dose radiation, high-quality doctor.
high-deductible health plan
A health benefits plan that meets the deductible and other benefit requirements to permit a covered
individual to contribute to a health savings account (see HSA). Benefit requirements for a high-deductible
health plan are established by federal law.
high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
See cholesterol.
high-fructose corn syrup
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
Hispanic
See ethnic groups.
21
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
DO NOT say HIV virus. USAGE: He tested positive for HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, which
causes AIDS. NOTE: AIDS is the disease; HIV is the virus. HIV acceptable on first reference.
HIV-positive
Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma
not Hodgkin’s disease
home page
HMO (health maintenance organization)
OK to use on first reference (OK to use spelled out, too).
holidays
Administrative Professionals Day
April Fools’ Day
Groundhog Day
Ash Wednesday
Halloween
Canada Day
Hanukkah
Chinese New Year
Inauguration Day
Christmas
Independence Day
Cinco de Mayo
Kwanzaa
Columbus Day
Labor Day
daylight saving time
Lincoln’s Birthday
Earth Day
Mardi Gras
Easter
Martin Luther King Day
Father’s Day
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Mother’s Day
Good Friday
New Year’s Day
Grandparents Day
New Year’s Eve
Palm Sunday
Passover
Presidents’ Day
Rosh Hashanah
St. Patrick’s Day
Secretaries’ Day
Sukkot
Super Bowl Sunday
Thanksgiving
Valentine’s Day
Veterans Day
Washington’s Birthday
World AIDS Day
Yom Kippur
home health care agency
hormone therapy
Do not use “hormone replacement therapy.”
hotline
HRA (health reimbursement arrangement)
An employer-paid benefit account offered to employees or retirees. HRA funds are generally available to
pay for deductible and coinsurance amounts required under a health benefits plan also provided by the
employer, although some employers permit HRA dollars to be used for any qualified medical expenses.
HSA (health savings account)
A tax-advantaged savings account that allows individuals to pay current health care costs or save for
anticipated future expenses. To be eligible, an individual must be covered by a high-deductible health
plan and not be eligible for coverage under any other health plan. Contributions to the HSA can be made
by the employer, the employee, or both. Contributions are tax-deductible and earn interest tax-free.
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
See HIV.
22
hyphenation/hyphens (see also compound words, fractions)
1. Looking a word up in Webster’s 11th is virtually the only way to be sure whether a permanent
compound word is spelled with or without a hyphen.
2. Generally, prefixes and suffixes don’t take hyphens: nonmember, preregister, copayment. The
exceptions include compounds that include a capitalized word (un-American), a numeral (pre-1940), an
already hyphenated term (non-life-threatening), when the prefix ends with the same vowel that begins the
following word (anti-inflammatory), and homographs (re-creation). One exception to this rule is
coordinate (per Webster’s 11th). Hyphenated terms should break only after the hyphen. Try not to break
after first syllable of word with a prefix: pre-registration, not prereg-istration. See also prefixes.
3. Avoid two-letter breaks in hyphenated compounds at the end of a line (self-exam, not self-exam).
4. Don’t hyphenate compounds such as 8 p.m., 75 percent.
5. No breaks in heads, decks, subheads, and callouts.
6. Hyphenate compound modifiers when they appear before the noun, except when the modifier is a
compound noun form that is a nonhyphenated entry in Webster’s 11th, such as real estate agency or
income tax return.
7. Do not allow more than three lines in a row to end with a hyphen (stacked hyphens). At line breaks,
generally correct two-letter carryovers to the next line.
8. Any hyphen that is not automatic MUST be made using a “soft” hyphen, which will disappear if
subsequent editing allows the entire word to fit on one line.
9. Well: If it follows the verb to be, hyphenate it. For example: Her shoes were well-worn. Also
hyphenate if it’s used as an adjective. For example: She wore well-worn shoes.
I–K
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ID card
i.e.
Avoid this abbreviation, which means that is to say. Also not interchangeable with e.g.
immunizations
combined tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)—On June 30, 2005, the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the routine use of Tdap vaccines in adolescents ages
11 to 18 in place of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccines. Tdap is given only once; Td booster
dose is recommended every 10 years. On October 26, 2005, the ACIP voted to recommend routine use of
a single dose of Tdap for adults ages 19 to 64 to replace the next booster dose of Td if they never received
Tdap. The ACIP also recommended Tdap for adults who have close contact with infants younger than age
12 months.
diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP)—Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease; tetanus is also
known as lockjaw; pertussis is also known as whooping cough. DTap is given to children in five doses at
2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. (DTaP preferred over DTP per CDC.)
23
tetanus-diphtheria (Td)—On June 30, 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
voted to recommend the routine use of Tdap vaccines in adolescents ages 11 to 18 in place of Td
vaccines. On October 26, 2005, the ACIP voted to recommend routine use of a single dose of Tdap for
adults ages 19 to 64 to replace the next booster dose of Td. Tdap is given only once; Td booster dose is
recommended every 10 years. The ACIP also recommended Tdap for adults who have close contact with
infants younger than age 12 months.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
hepatitis A—recommended only for children and adolescents in certain states and regions and for certain
high-risk groups
hepatitis B (hep B)
HPV—recommended for girls and boys 11 to 12 years of age. In addition, HPV vaccines are also
recommended for teen boys and girls who did not get it when they were younger, teen girls and young
women through age 26, and teen boys and young men through age 21.
inactivated poliovirus (IPV)—the ACIP, AAP, and AAFP recommend that all doses of poliovirus vaccine
be IPV
influenza (flu)
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)—hyphenate this per the American Academy of Pediatrics. Rubella is
also known as German measles.
oral poliovirus (OPV)—no longer recommended
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
rotavirus—recommended for all infants at ages 2, 4, and 6 months
varicella (chickenpox)
inactivated poliovirus (IPV)
See immunizations.
Inc.
Generally, do not use in the name of a company that is obviously the name of a company. If you must use
it, do not set off with commas unless plan requires it.
indentation (see also lists)
Do not indent the first paragraph after a head or subhead, or after a blank line space, including after a list.
Indent all other paragraphs.
initials
periods and no space between
in-line skates
not Rollerblades (brand name). See Rollerblades.
inpatient, outpatient
24
Internet, the Net
See also the Web, World Wide Web, website, webcast.
italics
1. Use italics for words used as words; for the names of books, pamphlets, and periodicals; for taxonomic
names (scientific classification of plants and animals) and for Latin names of bacteria (see Latin names);
and to set off technical or new terms.
2. Do not use following so-called. See Chicago Manual of Style.
3. When requested by client, use italics for the names of important health plan publications or
documentation, such as Evidence of Coverage.
4. All punctuation should print in the same font—roman or italic/bold—as the main or surrounding text
except for punctuation that belongs to the phrase or word (example: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?).
See also punctuation and font and Chicago.
IUD
do not need to spell out first
IV
do not need to spell out first
JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association)
Spell out on first reference, acronym thereafter, as per JAMA’s website.
JCAHO
See The Joint Commission.
The Joint Commission
previously called The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Spell out on first reference, acronym thereafter, as per JAMA’s website.
Jr./Sr./III
Do not use a comma before them: Martin Luther King Jr. and John Smith III (per AP).
Kmart
L
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Lap-Band
This is the brand name for a type of minimally invasive weight-loss surgery. Do not use all-caps. 13 Per
StayWell style, do not use a registered trademark symbol. See trademarks, etc.
13
The manufacturer uses LAP-BAND (all caps) for marketing/advertising purposes. We treat it like we do other
brand names, with an initial cap only—Band Aid, Nike, Visa, etc.
25
Latin names
For a complete Latin name, italicize and capitalize the genus and lowercase the species:
Staphylococcus aureus
Escherichia coli (E.coli)
For a reference to a genus alone, rather than a proper Latin name, lowercase and do not italicize:
salmonella
candida
staphylococci
LDL
low-density lipoprotein (see cholesterol)
leading
Do not use hyphen. For example: second leading cause of death.
leafy green vegetables (spinach, romaine, watercress) vs. dark green leafy vegetables (collard greens,
turnip greens, bok choy)
legal text
must be at least 8-point
less and more
Do not need hyphens when used as part of a compound adjective. For example: less invasive procedure.
light-headedness
like
Do not use fan in regards to Facebook; use like instead. For example: Like us on Facebook. Use quotation
marks and capitalize when referring to the button itself: Click on “Like” at the top of the page.
-like
This suffix no longer takes a hyphen. For the exceptions, see Words Into Type, Copy-Editing Style
section, Compound Words entry. They include words that end in l or ll (e.g., gull-like).
links
Use quotation marks around words or phrases that indicate a link on a website. For example: Click
“Healthy Resources” on our website to learn more. Do not use quotation marks around website
sections/areas, like navigation menus. For example: Select “Your Health” from the Healthy Resources
menu to learn more. See also quotation marks.
listing
DO NOT USE. Use list.
lists (see also numbering, bullet style)
Within text, generally do not use numerals or letters to separate elements of a simple list or series; use
commas or semicolons. If enumeration is needed, use numerals or lowercase letters enclosed in
parentheses without periods.
Lists that are set off from text may use bullets or numerals to separate the items. Use an initial cap for all
bullet items. Always use a period at the end of a bullet item if it forms a complete sentence by itself. Do
not use a period if the item is a phrase or single word. Text, ending in a colon, should introduce the list.
26
living will
one kind of advance directive; see advance directive
log on (verb), logon (noun)
low back pain
Use instead of lower-back pain.
low-birth-weight baby
but The baby had a low birth weight.
low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
See cholesterol.
low-fat cheese
but nonfat milk
M
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magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
mammogram
a photograph of the breasts made by X-rays
The mammogram revealed a tumor.
mammography
the mammogram procedure itself
Schedule a mammography today.
managed care company
Use health plan instead.
may also
preferred over also may
MCO (managed care organization)
Use health plan instead.
M.D.14
Doctor of Medicine
A degree, not a person. Incorrect: She is an M.D. Correct: She has an M.D.
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
See immunizations.
measurements
See numbers.
14
Using periods is AP style as well as a preference of many of our clients.
27
Medicaid
a federal and state health care program for both disabled and low-income people. Medicaid publications
always use figures for numbers. (He ate 4 servings of pasta.)
medical
Be careful not to use this term when health or health care should be used. Medical should be used only
when illness or injury is involved.
medical degrees
M.D., D.O., O.D. See also separate entries and abbreviations and acronyms.
MedicAlert
a personal ID with pertinent medical information—usually a bracelet; may say that the wearer has
diabetes, heart disease, etc.
Medicare
a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, and for people younger than 65 with
kidney failure or certain disabilities
Medicare Advantage
Medicare plans (MA plans) offered through private insurers that provide Original Medicare coverage and
may also provide extra benefits (like vision, dental, hearing aids) and Part D prescription drug coverage
(MA-PD plans)
Medicare Part A
standard; hospital insurance: the part of Medicare that helps pay for inpatient hospital stays, care in a
skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care
Medicare Part B
voluntary; medical insurance: the part of Medicare that helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital
care, preventive care, and other medical services not covered by Part A
Medicare Part C
Medicare Advantage Plans, such as HMOs and PPOs; health plan options that are approved by Medicare
but run by private companies
Medicare Part D
Medicare prescription drug coverage
member handbook
Do not capitalize unless health plan objects.
mental health
Do not hyphenate as an attribute adjective: mental health benefits.
metabolic syndrome
mg/dl
milligrams per deciliter (cholesterol and blood sugar measurement)
28
mid
Per AP, no hyphen unless a capitalized word follows—mid-Atlantic, midterm. But use when precedes a
figure—The temperature outside is in the mid-90s.
mind/body
ministroke
a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a temporary interference with the blood supply to the brain
mmHg
money
Use figures for sums of dollars and cents; use a dollar sign but the word cents:
5 cents, 75 cents, $20, $9.98, $2,500, but $2 million, $3.5 billion.
MRA
magnetic resonance angiography
MRI
magnetic resonance imaging
mucous/mucus
Mucous is the adjective; mucus is the noun.
MyPlate
In 2011, MyPlate replaced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid as the primary food group
symbol.
N
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911
Call 911. There is no need to add or your local emergency number.
NAMI
On first reference, use NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Use the NCQA when used as noun. Capitalize specific accreditations—Commendable accreditation—but
lowercase accreditation. NOTE: All NCQA language must be approved by the NCQA if language varies
at all from approved stock article.
National Institutes of Health
takes singular verb: The National Institutes of Health is working on a study …
Native American15
DO NOT USE. Use American Indian instead.
15
American Indian is the preferred term according to both AP and the Chicago Manual of Style.
29
nauseous/nauseated
Something that causes you to feel nauseated is nauseous. You do not feel nauseous. The nauseous fumes
made Bob feel nauseated.
news feed
newspapers and periodicals
Use initial caps and italics for the name, except for the preceding “the”: the Wall Street Journal, the New
Yorker, the New York Times.
New Year
Capitalize when referring to the holiday. (“Make your New Year’s resolutions.”) Lowercase when used in
the general sense. (“See you in the new year.”)
non
Close up all words with the prefix non (nonfat milk, nonsmoking), except if word includes a hyphen (nonlife-threatening).
numbering
When enumerating within a paragraph, use numbers or letters (no period) in parentheses: Winter can be
defined as (1) a season, (2) a cold period, (3) a barren time, or (4) old age. In vertical lists, use numerals
followed by periods:
The quality of your water depends on three factors:
1. Who you are
2. Where you live
3. Who supplies your water
number one priority
numbers
Refer to AP, “numerals” entry.
1. In general, spell out numbers one through nine; use figures for 10 and up: Her recovery should have
taken 12 days, but she went home after one week. This includes ratios (one in 10 chance) and grades
(fourth-grader, 10th-grader). Exceptions: Always use figures for ages, dates, weight, percentages, money,
mathematical computations, time (2 p.m., but two hours), dimensions, distances, speeds under 10,
formulas, measurements, proportions (3 parts milk to 1 part chocolate), millions and billions
(3 million), and chapter and page numbers. Also 24/7. Always use numerals in headlines, subheads, and
Medicaid copy.
2. Never begin a sentence with a numeral. Spell it out or restructure the sentence: Three hundred and sixty
five days make up a year can become There are 365 days in a year.
3. Use Arabic numerals for divisions, volumes, parts, and the like: Healthy Pregnancy, Part 1. Also use
Arabic numerals with disease phases and stages (a phase 5 epidemic, stage 1 cancer) and health plan tiers
(a tier 2 drug).
4. Don’t use zeros with even-dollar amounts ($4.50 in advance, $5 at the door).
5. Say a 10 percent discount on, a $10 savings on, save $10 on, but 10 percent off, $10 off.
6. Fractions: See fractions.
30
7. Use Roman numerals for hospital designations: a level II trauma center.
nurse-midwife, nurse-midwives, certified nurse-midwife
O
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Obamacare
Do not use unless clarifying that the health care law is sometimes called Obamacare. See Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act.
OB-GYN
short for obstetrics and gynecology and obstetrician-gynecologist
O.D.
Doctor of Optometry
OK
not okay
omega-3s
on call
no hyphen unless used as an adjective—The doctor is on call. The on-call doctor can answer your
questions.
one out of every/one in …
takes a singular verb
One in four dentists recommends this toothpaste.
One out every four children in the U.S. is overweight.
online
on-site
Hyphenate as adjective/adverb per Webster’s 11th; don’t hyphenate as preposition. There is a doctor on
site. The on-site doctor is in.
onto/on to
Climb onto the table, BUT sign on to get fitness rewards.
open enrollment, open-enrollment period
open heart surgery
ophthalmology
optometrists
Lenscrafters, Sears Optical
oral poliovirus (OPV)
no longer recommended. See immunizations.
31
orphans (see bad breaks)
orthopedics
not orthopaedics. However, do not change “Orthopaedics” in an organization or department’s formal
name.
out-of-area coverage
out-of-pocket expense
outpatient, inpatient
over/under
Over and under refer to spatial relationships. (He walked under the bridge. She flew over the ocean.). Try
to avoid these words to refer to ages, quantities, etc., opting for older than/younger than, more than/less
than, instead.
1. All women older than age 40—rather than all women over 40.
2. A bagel weighing less than 2 ounces—rather than a bagel weighing under 2 ounces.
3. More than 1 million people—rather than over 1 million people.
over the counter (adverb), over-the-counter (adjective) (OTC)
Drugs that you buy over the counter are over-the-counter drugs.
P
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*
*
*
*
P.A. (plural: P.A.’s)
physician assistant
page numbers
Always use numerals and lowercase p.
Pap test
preferred over Pap smear
parentheses
Use parentheses sparingly to enclose parenthetical material. Never use a comma before an open (leading)
parenthesis, although a comma can follow a close parenthesis. Periods go inside a close parenthesis if the
contained material is completely separated from the preceding material by a period; periods go outside if
the material is attached to preceding material. If you’re using both brackets and parentheses, the correct
notation is parentheses outside of brackets.
NOTE: Always use parentheses in pairs. In enumerating items in text, enclose the numbers or lowercase
letters in parentheses: Among other things, copy editors are responsible for (1) correct spelling, (2)
correct grammar, (3) correct punctuation, and (4) correct word usage. If enumerated items are broken
out into vertical list form, use numbers or letters followed by a period: Copy editors are responsible for
what some consider the four most important things in published materials:
1. Correct spelling
2. Correct grammar
3. Correct punctuation
4. Correct word usage
32
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
This is the full name of President Barack Obama’s health care law, signed into law in 2010. You may
identify the law by its full name, but you don’t need to. It is acceptable to refer to it as its more common
name, Affordable Care Act. ACA is acceptable on subsequent references. Do not use the term Obamacare,
unless clarifying that ACA is sometimes called Obamacare.
peak-flow meter
percent
In text, use figures and the word: A 75 percent increase (note no hyphen). It is all right to use the percent
symbol (75%) in tables, figures, and the like. In a range, omit first mention (70 to 90 percent).
period
Use periods in lists when items are complete sentences and begin with a capital letter. Periods go inside
quotation marks, and they go outside parentheses except when the entire sentence is inside parentheses.
Pharm.D.
Doctor of Pharmacy
phone numbers
See telephone numbers.
photo credits and disclaimers
Only one illustration or photo on the page:
ILLUSTRATION: JANE DOE or PHOTOGRAPH: JANE DOE/THE STOCK MARKET
More than one illustration or photo on the page, but only one credit:
ILLUSTRATION, LEFT: JOHN DOE or
PHOTOGRAPH, BOTTOM LEFT: JANE DOE
More than one illustration or photo, all with credit:
ILLUSTRATIONS: LEFT, JOHN DOE; RIGHT, JANE DOE
or
PHOTOGRAPHS: TOP LEFT, JOHN DOE/THE STOCK MARKET; BOTTOM LEFT, JANE
DOE/SHARPSHOOTERS
Illustration and photo credit on same page:
One line:
ILLUSTRATION: JOHN DOE; PHOTOGRAPH: JANE DOE
Two lines:
ILLUSTRATION: JOHN DOE
PHOTOGRAPH: JANE DOE/TONY STONE IMAGES
All models used for illustrative purposes only.
(For Medicaid, use All models are used for illustrative purposes only.)
PHOTODISC/PhotoDisc
all caps when credits are all caps; cap P and D otherwise
PHOTOILLUSTRATION/Photoillustration
one word, all caps when credits are all caps, cap P when not
33
physician assistant (P.A.)
plural: P.A.’s
the pill
oral contraceptive—birth control pill is preferred
plurals
figures: Add s. For example: The custom began in the 1920s. The airline has two 727s. Temperatures will
be in the low 20s. There were five size 7s.
single letters: Use ’s. For example: Mind your p’s and q’s. He learned the three R’s and brought home a
report card with four A’s and two B’s. The Oakland A’s won the pennant. Catch your z’s tonight.
multiple letters: Add s. For example: She knows her ABCs. I gave him five IOUs. Four VIPs were there.
See AP for further discussion.
multiple letters with periods: M.D.’s
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
See immunizations.
Pneumovax
brand name for pneumococcal/pneumonia vaccine, not normally used in copy
P.O. Box
Use periods.
podcast
point-of-service (POS)
poison control center
PPO
preferred provider organization
prediabetes
prefixes
Almost all words formed with prefixes are written closed (no hyphen). The exceptions include
compounds that include a capitalized word (un-American), a numeral (pre-1940), an already hyphenated
term (post-latency-period), and homographs (re-creation). Check Webster’s 11th for other exceptions.
Hyphenate words in which the prefix ends with the same vowel the word begins with (antiinflammatory). Exception: coordinate (per Webster’s 11th). Try not to break after first syllable of a word
with a prefix: pre-registration, not prereg-istration. See hyphenation.
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition
preventive
NOT preventative
34
preventive care
or preventive health care, NOT preventive health
primary care physician, primary care provider
no hyphen; see plan profile for capitalization
prior to
DO NOT USE. Use before.
programs
Capitalize the names of programs: Healthy Beginnings program. Cap p at plan request.
pronouns
All language should be gender-inclusive; avoid him/her, he/she whenever possible. Use plural forms
(them, they) instead, or he or she and him or her.
prostate-specific antigen test
Provider Directory
but see plan profile for cap style
punctuation and font
1. All punctuation should print in the same font—roman or italic/bold—as the main or surrounding text.
2. This applies to all bolded websites and phone numbers. (Example: For more information, visit
www.cdc.gov. The period after the website is not bolded because the main text around the bolded phrase
is not bolded.)
3. The exception is punctuation that belongs to the phrase or word. (Example: Who’s Afraid of Virginia
Woolf?). (See Chicago.)
4. See also italics.
Q
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Q&A
quarter
For words that incorporate quarter, look them up in the dictionary to see whether they’re hyphenated. For
example: quarter hour. If the word is not in the dictionary, hyphenate it. For example: quarter-century.
See fractions.
quitline
quotation marks
1. Do not use following the terms so-called, named, known as, called, and the like.
2. Do not use to set off technical terms or new terms; use italics instead.
35
3. Use quotation marks to enclose the titles of articles and the like. Generally, commas and periods go
inside quotation marks; colons and semicolons go outside. Set quotation marks outside of exclamation
points and question marks that are part of the quotation; inside of exclamation points and question marks
that are not. She said, “Where are you going?” but What did they mean by saying, “I’ve gone there
before”?
4. Use quotation marks around words or phrases that indicate a link on a website. For example: Click
“Healthy Resources” on our website to learn more. But do not use quotation marks around website
sections/areas, like navigation menus. For example: Select “Your Health” from the Healthy Resources
menu to learn more.
5. Use single quotation marks to enclose quoted matter within a quotation.
6. Use single quotation marks in headlines, per AP. For example: ‘Bee’ Smart About Stings.
quotations
Quotations should be edited sparely, if at all, and only to correct glaring grammatical problems. When
inserting explanatory words into a quotation, enclose them in brackets. When deleting words or phrases
within a quote, use an ellipsis.
Use said when the quote clearly took place in the past (example: “Government of the people, by the
people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg.).
Otherwise, use says. Attribute by last name after first use of full name, but see first names, use of for
exceptions. See also said/says. Also see AP.
R
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
radiofrequency ablation
RDA
recommended dietary allowance. This is being replaced by the dietary reference intake (DRI).
recipes
 If space allows, include heads: Ingredients, Directions, Per Serving
 For steps, make sure ingredients are listed in the same order as the ingredients list.
servings and serving size
 Include number of servings (Serves four or four servings) and size of serving (serving size is 1
cup). Example: Serves four; serving size is one chicken breast and ½ cup vegetables.
 Serving size figure: Spell out if less than 10; use figure if 10 or more. For example: Serves eight
BUT Serves 12.
measurements
 Always use numerals for ingredient amounts in both ingredients list and direction steps. But
follow regular style for numerals for all else in directions: Add 2 tablespoons and stir for two
minutes.
 Use abbreviations (2 tsp. sugar) in ingredients list, but spell out in steps (add 2 teaspoons of
sugar).
36




Common abbreviations:
teaspoon: tsp.
tablespoon: tbsp.
cup: cup
gallon: gal.
ounce: oz.
pound: lb.
gram: g
milligram: mg
Spell out degrees. Do not shorten to the symbol. For example: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Measurement figure should refer to the specific item. For example: 1 green pepper, chopped,
BUT 1 cup chopped green pepper.
Use hyphens when using a measurement as a word. For example: 8-by-9-inch.
Per Serving
 The items in the Per Serving should be listed in the order of the Nutrition Facts label:
Calories
Total fat
Saturated fat
Trans fat
Cholesterol
Sodium
Total carbohydrate
Dietary fiber
Sugars
Protein
 If space allows, for Per Serving information, initial cap, no colon, abbreviate measurements, align
measurements. For example:
Total fat
100 g
Carbohydrate 4 g
Protein
2g
 If Per Serving information is in the form of a sentence, put breakdown of fat content in
parentheses. For example: Total fat 100 g (Saturated fat 50 g, Unsaturated fat 50 g). Follow the
same order for items as indicated above, and separate with a comma. For example: Serves four;
serving size is ½ cup. Each serving provides: Calories 500, Total fat 100 g (Saturated fat 50 g,
Trans fat 0 g), Cholesterol 12 g, Sodium 180 mg. Note that not all recipes will include the same
level of nutritional info.
 OK to use symbol in Per Serving information for “more than” and “less than.”
37
Sample Recipe: Gazpacho
This classic chilled tomato soup is cholesterol-free and chock-full of garden-fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
4 cups tomato juice*
1 medium onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 small green pepper, peeled, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped
1 small cucumber, peeled, pared, seeded, and coarsely chopped
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 drop hot pepper sauce
⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 large tomato, finely diced
2 tbsp. minced chives or scallion tops
1 lemon, cut in six wedges
Directions
1. Put 2 cups of tomato juice and all other ingredients except diced tomato, chives, and lemon wedges in
the blender. Puree.
2. Slowly add the remaining 2 cups of tomato juice to pureed mixture.
3. Add chopped tomato.
4. Chill.
5. Serve chilled in individual bowls garnished with chopped chives and lemon wedges.
Per Serving
Serves six; serving size is 1 cup. Each serving provides:
Calories
87
Total fat
5g
Saturated fat < 1 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
593 mg*
* To cut back on sodium, try low-sodium tomato juice.
SOURCE: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/National Institutes of Health
registered nurse (R.N.)
registration marks
only at the request of clients or trademark holders
rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
used for the management of soft-tissue stress or injury
retweet
Do not use the abbreviation (RT) in running text.
38
Reye’s syndrome
Suggested wording: Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers because of the risk for Reye’s
syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
risk: risk for not of
Other uses: use of before a gerund (your risk of developing), use for before a noun (the risk for
hypertension); when at risk appears in a headline, both words should be capped.
R.N.16
registered nurse
Rollerblades
DO NOT USE. Use in-line skates. Rollerblades is the brand name. See in-line skates.
RSS
RT
Do not use in running text. See retweet.
run-in heads
Cap only the first word, unless it’s a proper name or the name of a client’s program. For example: Eat a
healthy diet. Strive for five servings of fruits and veggies every day.
S
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Saint-John’s-wort
said/says
When quoting someone in an article, use says instead of said. “The doctors provide quality care,” he
says. Use said when the quote clearly took place in the past (example: “Government of the people, by the
people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg.). See also
quotations.
salmonella
See Latin names.
seasons
Use lowercase unless part of a formal name: I’m going to the beach this summer. In summer 1999 I went
to Venice. She is competing in the Summer Olympics. See the Summer 2001 issue of Digest.
seat belt
self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope
semicolons
Use semicolons to separate two main clauses when they are not joined by a conjunction and to separate
elements of a series that include interior commas.
16
Using periods is AP style as well as a preference of many of our clients.
39
seniors
DO NOT USE. Use mature adults or older adults instead. Exception: senior center.
sexist language
All language must be gender inclusive; avoid him/her, he /she wherever possible. Using gender-inclusive
language, however, is not an excuse for using pronouns that do not agree. Neither John nor Judy would
lend me his toothbrush is sexist. Neither John nor Judy would lend me their toothbrush is grammatically
incorrect. In this case, simply avoid the possessive pronoun: Neither John nor Judy would lend me a
toothbrush.
sign
A symptom is generally subjective, while a sign is objective. Signs can be noticed by a doctor (for
example, a skin rash) or identified via a lab test (for example, high blood sugar levels). A symptom would
be a sensation only the patient can report, such as fatigue or a headache. See also symptom.
signs and symbols
Generally, do not use these in text. Signs and symbols may be used in tables, figures, and the like. If you
must use the symbol to be clear in text, use the word and then the symbol in parentheses: Use a pound
sign (#).
sized (adjective, used in combination)
NOT size: medium-sized house
sleeved
long-sleeved shirt
slogans, mottoes, etc.
Use quotation marks and cap first word: Forget the slogan “No pain, no gain.”
smartphone
smoking-cessation program/classes
so, so that
Use so that when meaning in order that or with the result that and do not precede it with a comma: We
took the shortcut through the woods so that we would not be late for supper. Use so when meaning
consequently or therefore and do precede it with a comma (a little like that and which): We had already
missed supper, so we took the long way home.
Social Security number
source notes
SOURCE: The American Academy of Pediatrics
SPF (sun protection factor)
Use abbreviation.
spokesperson
Use only if sex is unknown; otherwise use spokesman or spokeswoman.
40
staff
usually takes singular verb; see collective nouns
state names
1. The names of all 50 U.S. states should be spelled out when used in the body of a story, whether
standing alone or in conjunction with a city, town, village or military base.
2. Use the two-letter post office code for states and the District of Columbia only with an address that is
followed by a ZIP code.
3. Use a comma before and after a state if the state is preceded by a city: They went to Athens, Georgia,
for their summer vacation.
stomachache
streets
See addresses.
strength training (noun); strength-training (adjective); strength-train (verb)
subheads
1. Should not be immediately repeated in the text that follows them and should have at least two lines of
text below them at the bottom of a column and at least two lines of text before them at the top of a
column.
2. For run-in subheads, one line of text below the subhead is sufficient.
3. Subheads should not be immediately followed by bulleted text.
4. Headline capitalization and punctuation rules (see capitalization) should be followed for all subheads,
except for run-in heads, which should be lowercase and have punctuation.
5. Subheads should not be longer than two lines.
6. Do not artificially break a subhead to gain a line of text. No hyphenation within subheads unless the
hyphen is part of the word, in which case do not break line at the hyphen.
7. Never have just one subhead in an article.
8. Where possible, avoid tombstones (subheads at top of column). Subheads can appear at the top of a
column if it fits in with the layout.
substance abuse
Do not hyphenate as an attributive adjective: substance abuse therapist.
sunscreen
not sunblock
symbols
Don’t use symbols such as & in text or heads except if part of company name or with certain medical
procedures. See also ampersand (&).
41
symptom
Use only when pertaining to disease, not healthy, normal conditions: symptoms of asthma, symptoms of
diabetes, signs of pregnancy, characteristics of menopause. A symptom is generally subjective, while a
sign is objective. Signs can be noticed by a doctor (for example, a skin rash) or identified via a lab test
(for example, high blood sugar levels). A symptom would be a sensation only the patient can report, such
as fatigue or a headache. See also sign.
T
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
tai chi
talk with, not to
Talk with your doctor about scheduling a mammogram.
target heart rate range
equals 60 to 80 percent of heart’s maximum capacity (220 minus your age)
Td/Tdap
See immunizations.
TDD
Telecommunications device for the deaf. In most cases, TTY will be accurate (not TDD), but ask the
assigned editor which device is actually being used.
telephone numbers17
1. Bold all telephone numbers. (Editor and designer can use discretion if phone number is included
multiple times in one article, if it’s in a subhead or headline, or if surrounding text is already bold; for
instance, printing the number in a different color could achieve the same effect.)
2. Preference is hyphens over parentheses. Do not use 1- before all area codes and 800-numbers: 508-8968238, but defer to client preference.
3. If you use a word, set it both ways: 800-555-4258 (800-555-HALT). When using letters, make them
uppercase. In interest of space, use numbers only.
4. Extensions: 617-969-6071, ext. 432 (in lists). Bold comma and ext. Spell out the word extension in text.
5. It is OK to use 911 on its own. No need to say or your local emergency number.
6. Do not use the word contact or dial with a telephone number. Use call instead.
7. Try not to break telephone numbers.
teletypewriter (TTY)
In most cases, TTY will be accurate (not TDD), but ask the assigned editor which device is actually being
used. 1-800-555-1234 (TTY 755).
Bolding websites, email addresses, and phone numbers helps them “pop,” drawing the reader’s attention and
providing value from a marketing perspective.
17
42
tetanus-diphtheria (Td)
See immunizations.
that
In late stages, don’t add or take out unless it changes the meaning of the sentence or sounds awkward.
(Use your judgment.)
Use that to introduce an essential clause. An essential clause is not set off with commas. Removing an
essential clause would change the meaning of the sentence. For example: Therapies that are derived from
plants can cause skin rashes. (See also which.)
Do not use that for people; use who or whom. For example: a child who is ill.
the
In magazine and journal titles, “the” is usually lowercased and roman (the New York Times, the New
England Journal of Medicine). Exception: The Lancet.
3-D
acceptable in all instances
TIA (transient ischemic attack)
ministroke—a temporary interference with the blood supply to the brain
time
Use numerals for clock time, followed by a.m. or p.m. (lowercase; no spaces): The office hours are from
8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Don’t repeat a.m. or p.m. in an interval: The fair runs from 2 to 5 p.m. The classes are
between noon and 3 p.m.
In text, use noon and midnight. Never use 12 a.m. or 12 p.m.
Don’t use zeros for time on the hour (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Use to or en dash for intervals.
daylight saving time
time-consuming
time zones
Capitalize the full name of the time in force within a particular zone: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern
Daylight Time, daylight saving time. Lowercase all but the region in short forms: Mountain time, Pacific
time. The abbreviations EST, CDT, and so on are acceptable on first reference for zones used within the
continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico only if the abbreviation is linked with a clock reading: 2:30 a.m.
EST, 9 p.m. PST.
titles, courtesy (Mr., Mrs.)
Do not use unless client preference.
titles, personal
Initial cap when they precede a person’s name: Medical Director Jane Doe. Lowercase when they follow
a name: Jane Doe, medical director. Lowercase when used generically: Jane Doe, Health Plan’s medical
director or Health Plan's medical director, Jane Doe.
titles, publications
Italicize books, TV shows, movies, brochures, pamphlets, periodicals (no quotation marks—exception to
AP). With magazine and journal titles, “the” should be lowercased and roman (the New York Times).
Exception: The Lancet.
43
TLC
therapeutic lifestyle changes; TLC takes singular verb
to-do list
toll-free
tool kit
touch-tone phone
toward
not towards
trademarks, etc.
In general, do not use, except for HEDIS® and CAHPS. When using a trademarked name, capitalize the
first letter. Do not use a registration mark except at the request of a client. NOTE: Call the Trademark
Hotline at 212-768-9886, Monday to Friday, 2 to 5 p.m.
trans fat, trans fats, trans-fatty acids
all OK
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
a ministroke—a temporary interference with the blood supply to the brain
trending (verb)
TTY (teletypewriter)
In most cases, TTY will be accurate (not TDD), but ask the assigned editor which device is actually being
used. 1-800-555-1234 (TTY 755).
tweet, tweeting, tweeted (verbs)
See also retweet.
tweet, tweets (nouns)
24/7
type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 is known as non-insulin-dependent
diabetes. Do not use adult-onset diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes.
U–V
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
underway
one word in all instances
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
unfriend, unfollow
44
up-to-date (adjective)
Hyphenate before and after verb: an up-to-date style; keep copy editors up-to-date in style.
U.S.
Use as both an adjective and a noun.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
As of February 1, 1999, the CPSC tests bicycle helmets for their ability to protect the head from injury
and administers safety standards. Helmets that meet impact standards have a CPSC label inside. Don’t use
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
utilization management/utilization review
Do not hyphenate as an attributive adjective: utilization management program.
utilize
DO NOT USE. Use use instead.
UVA, UVB
ultraviolet light: A is long wavelength, B is intermediate, C is short.
vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
varicella
another name for the virus that causes chickenpox and often used as the name for the vaccine. The full
term is varicella zoster virus, but don’t use full term. See immunizations.
versus/vs.
Use vs.
vitamins
Lowercase vitamin and hyphenate for numbers: vitamin B-12
vulgarity
DO NOT USE any word or term labeled or noted as considered vulgar in Webster’s 11th.
W–Z *
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Walgreens, Wal-Mart
-ward
not -wards: afterward, toward
45
the Web, World Wide Web, website, webcast
Bold Web addresses and email addresses: www.copyeditor.com.18 (Editor and designer can use
discretion if address is included multiple times in one article, if it’s in a subhead or headline, if it’s not
related to the client’s organization, or if surrounding text is already bold; for instance, printing the address
in a different color could achieve the same effect.) Avoid breaking addresses if possible. If you have to
break the address, do so before the period and the hyphen and after the slash. Don’t introduce a hyphen to
break a word within the address. If possible, add www to all Web addresses (double-check on the Internet
first); most Web address can include www. Do not use http:// unless a Web address does NOT begin with
www. Delete any slashes at the end of an address. Usually, the index.html part of a long URL isn’t
necessary to access the website and can be deleted to save space.
weight-loss group, weight-loss surgery
Weight Watchers
well
If it follows the verb to be, hyphenate it. For example: Her shoes were well-worn. Also hyphenate if it’s
used as an adjective. For example: She wore well-worn shoes.
well-baby, well-child, well-woman
which
Use to introduce a nonessential clause. Nonessential clauses are set off by commas. If you remove a
nonessential clause, the meaning of the sentence is unchanged. For example: Vaccinations, which are an
important part of staying healthy, are available at your doctor’s office. (See also that.)
White Pages
whole-grain bread
whole wheat bread19
widow
See bad breaks.
words as words
italicize
word breaks
Generally, correct two-letter syllable carryovers to the next line. See Webster’s 11th for correct
syllabification. Correct more than three stacked hyphens. Do not break all-cap abbreviations and such
terms as 6 p.m., 240 pp., $10 million. Try to break after prefix: pre-registration, not
prereg-istration.
workers’ compensation
work out (verb); workout (noun)
worksite, workplace, workforce
Bolding websites, email addresses, and phone numbers helps them “pop,” drawing the reader’s attention and
providing value from a marketing perspective.
19
Per Webster’s 11th, “whole wheat bread” is one unhyphenated unit.
18
46
X-ray (noun and verb)
Don’t break over line.
Yellow Pages
ZIP code
z’s
For example: Catch some z’s tonight.
47