Welcome to the Governors State University Style Guide. This is a place you can come to find answers to questions like, “Do I capitalize academic programs?” or “When should I use a semicolon?” This is a compilation of useful things, of minutiae, of all those sticky little wickets that can frustrate and trip us up when we’re writing.
Writing is something that we all do at the university. We write copy for our department’s corner of the web. We pull together blurbs to advertise events. We write letters of recommendation, and we generate emails galore. All of these tasks are made easier with guidance. We hope that you take advantage of this resource. For Editorial Guidelines click here.
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk a few basics.
Good writing relies on understanding.
First, the writer has to know what she is trying to say. As rudimentary as that may sound, it is the foundation of a solid piece of writing. Don’t get off track. Ask yourself as you write, “What is the business of this story/article/email?” Whatever falls outside of your answer should be trimmed out.
Secondly, a writer has to know who he or she is addressing—word choice depends heavily on audience.
These two ideas are then wrapped up in what we are going to call word economy. Make your sentences concise by choosing the right words, and make every word count.
Our language is rich. There is a word for everything—and usually there are two. This means a few things: avoid modifiers such as very, limit your adverbs, and don’t use obscure words unnecessarily.
Whenever possible, try to edit out linking verbs.The most common linking verbs are forms of the verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were, being, been).”
Finally, please use the Oxford comma.
References
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
Despite the advancements of technology and the Web, all writers still benefit from owning a hard copy of the dictionary. The big one. If possible, keep an unabridged dictionary near your desk, and you will never have to wonder if you’re using a word correctly. The online one is a great resource, too, and gives access to a thesaurus.
The Associated Press Stylebook
Another important resource is the Associated Press Stylebook. You always want to be working from the current edition. The latest version is available online, via app for your smartphone, and in print.
Other great references are The Elements of Style, A Writer’s Resource, and On Writing.