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Editorial Style

Following NC State's editorial style lends your writing a professional sheen and ensures a consistent experience for all of our readers.

Clear, Consistent Writing

Editorial style is a set of rules that tells you what to do when there's more than one "correct" way to write something. Examples include determining which words to capitalize in a headline or when to spell out a number versus using a numeral. Without a clear-cut set of style guidelines, writers often address these situations in inconsistent and contradictory ways, which undermines their credibility.

NC State’s editorial style is based on The Associated Press Stylebook, with exceptions and additions as noted below. When AP style conflicts with NC State's own guidelines, you should follow the latter. To resolve questions of spelling, AP recommends using Merriam-Webster.

You should follow these rules far more often than not. However, situations may arise when bending a rule makes more sense than following it. Clarity and consistency are the most important considerations.

Use the search bar or index to find a specific editorial style reference.

dashes, hyphens

Dashes, also called em dashes ( — ), can serve several functions. They signal abrupt change, set off a series within a phrase, mark attribution in pull quotes and start lists. Use a space on both sides of a dash in body copy, and use a space after a dash for attribution in pull quotes.

For example:

Howling Cow ice cream flavors — especially Cherry Brick Road and Tuffy’s Toffee — show off our school spirit.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing baseball for NC State.”

— Mr. Wuf

Hyphens ( – ) act as joiners, such as in compound modifiers: first-generation college student. Hyphens are also used in ranges: 8-9 a.m., Jan. 1-4. There are no spaces surrounding a hyphen.

data

Data is the plural of datum. The word should generally take a plural verb.

  • Correct: The study data show that carbon outputs can be reduced by 16 percent.

DELTA

This acronym stands for Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications, a unit within the Office of the Provost. DELTA’s role is to lead the way in designing, creating and supporting extraordinary digital learning experiences for NC State.

departments

When using a department’s formal name, be sure to capitalize appropriately: the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. When referring to the department generically or informally, only capitalize proper nouns: the agricultural and resource economics department, the English department.

  • Correct: The Department of Mathematics is hiring new faculty.
  • Incorrect: The Math Department is hiring new faculty.

For the proper title of a particular department, refer to the NC State University Undergraduate Catalog, which can be accessed online.

doctoral, doctorate

Use “doctoral” as an adjective, and use “doctorate” as a noun.

The DVM is a doctoral degree. She earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine.

Dr.

Both the AP and NC State discourage the use of “Dr.” as a title in front of someone’s name in most cases. It’s preferable to state the person’s academic rank and field of expertise: Derek Ham, assistant professor of graphic design, is an expert in virtual reality.

e- words

Except for “email” and “esports,” use a hyphen in all e- words: e-book, e-reader, e-commerce, etc.

email

Do not hyphenate this word.

email signatures

It is helpful for emails to include an email signature that provides the sender’s full contact information. Below is a suggested signature format for university employees to use. Note that a boilerplate public-disclosure notice is the last element in the signature.

Name (with at least two preferred pronouns, e.g., she/her, in parentheses)
Title
Department (if applicable; can be omitted for faculty if the title makes it obvious, e.g., Professor of English)
Center or Program (if applicable)
College or unit (if applicable)
North Carolina State University
Mailing address (Campus Box XXXX)
Physical address
City, State Zip
Phone(s)
Website (if applicable)

All electronic mail messages in connection with state business that are sent to or received by this account are subject to the North Carolina public records law and may be disclosed to third parties.