Stylebook

Here is language advice and tips for writers and editors.

See also the Grammar Wikicity.

Symbols

/ (slash) -- OK as part of a proper name, Web address or other appropriate computer context. Otherwise, replace it. Try "and," "or" or at least a hyphen. Replace "and/or" with "xxx, yyy or both" or "xxx, yyy, zzz or a combination."

Words and Phrases

affordable – Almost everything is affordable to someone. Replace with "low-cost" or "lower-cost" if that is what you mean.

attitude -- Some attitudes are positive and some are negative. But the only people who don’t "have an attitude" are comatose.

elementary -- This is an adjective. A child may go to an elementary school, but not "an elementary," or even "Joe Schmuckattelli Memorial Elementary."

entities – Limp word. "Agencies" or "organizations" is better.

facility, structure – Limp words. Better: "building," "campus," or "center."

gonna -- This is not a word! It should only rarely be used in print. The argument "We don’t change quotes" is a misapplication of a basic principle. The key is that it’s not a matter of meaning, but enunciation. Do we record all instances of nonstandard enunciation? "I dunno."

in color -- As in "The suspect fled in a car that was blue in color." What else would it be, blue in weight? Just say "a blue car."

relationship -- A hermit could be "in a relationship," although he would likely relate to the forest instead of a romantic partner. In other words, probably everyone is "in a relationship."

relocate -- Limp word. "Move" is shorter and usually better.

so-called -- Use only to show doubt.

structure – See "facility."

substance – If drugs or alcohol is meant, that should be specified. (If I abused mayonnaise, would you send me to a "substance abuse" counselor?)

troops -- As a noun, this means "units of people." In Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, it’s specific. In a military context, "40,000 troops" does not mean "40,000 soldiers." Even if used correctly in a military story, it’s usually too broad to be meaningful. A troop or unit might range in size from a fire team (four people) to a division in the U.S. Marine Corps (one-third of the Marines’ active-duty infantry, plus I don’t know what else).

wait on -- This means "serve." It is not the same as "wait for."