If you’ve ever questioned whether “style guide” is one word or two, you’re not alone. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of style guides, their purpose, and the correct way to refer to them.
What is a Style Guide?
A style guide is a set of standards used in writing and designing documents. Organizations often develop style guides to maintain consistency and clarity in their publications, reflecting specific preferences and practices. These guides cover various aspects, including capitalization, formatting, and word usage. Style guides ensures that publications remain stylistically consistent as well as clear.
Style guides are essential for writers, editors, and designers because it helps with writing and formatting based on organizational and branding guidelines.
References
While organizations may create their own style guides, several established style manuals are widely recognized. These include:
- The Chicago Manual of Style
- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
- The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Abbreviations/Acronyms
When using abbreviations and acronyms, provide the full term initially, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. For example, American Psychological Association (APA).
Compound Nouns and Adjectives
Compound words, like “style guide,” can be written as one word, two words, or hyphenated.
Is “Style Guide” One Word or Two?
“Style guide” is two words. It is not written as “styleguide”.
The term “style guide” is typically used as a noun, referring to the document itself.
Example: The company’s style guide provides guidelines for all written content.
Capitalization
Capitalize only formal or specific names. When in doubt, use lowercase, especially when a word’s meaning is generic. As a rule, official names are capitalized. Unofficial or shortened names are not. For example, the Board of Trustees is shortened to the board.
Headlines:
- Capitalize the first and last word, no matter what part of speech they are.
- Capitalize the first word after a colon, no matter what part of speech it is.
- Lowercase articles (a, an, the).
- Lowercase coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, for, nor).
Holidays and Recurring Events:
Capitalize holidays, ceremonies, and recurring observances and weekends: Winter Carnival; Thanksgiving; Commencement; Baccalaureate; Convocation; Midyear Celebration; Fall Family Weekend; Homecoming; Reunion Weekend
Do not capitalize seasons, academic periods, or breaks: winter term; fall admission; summer break
Commas
Commas should be used to make text more clear and understandable, but they tend to be overused. Rule of thumb: when in doubt, leave it out!
Adjective string:
In general, if two or more adjectives preceding a noun can be joined with “and,” separate them with commas, unless the noun and adjective are considered to be a unit, e.g., “bad boy.” Use judgment. Too many commas can make writing choppy.
- She made a donation to a new political organization.
- It will be a frigid, expensive winter.
Bias-Free Content
Avoid language that is biased toward race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. When possible, strive for gender-neutral terms. Use “workers” instead of “workmen”; “chairperson” or “chair” instead of “chairman” or “chairwoman”; “head of school” instead of “headmaster”; “first-year student” instead of “freshman.”
E-E-A-T
Prioritize creating content that demonstrates Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of style guides, including whether a term is one word or two, ensures clear, consistent, and professional communication. “Style guide” is two words. By adhering to established style conventions, writers and organizations can maintain a polished and credible image. Remember to consult reliable style manuals and organizational guidelines to stay aligned with best practices in writing and design.
