Content style
A quick guide to government website content style.
- Government website guide
- Content style
About
Content style is important in that it enforces consistency and uniformity in how government presents information.
Style accounts for the following:
- Abbreviations and acronyms
- Active voice
- Capitalization
- Inclusive language
- Names
- Numbers and percentages
- Punctuation
- Voice and tone
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Use plain language and simple sentences.
- Choose clarity over cleverness.
- Talk like a person.
- Address the user as you whenever possible.
- Use an active voice.
- Use contractions.
Don't
- Use the word citizen when talking about the public. See the conscious style section for further guidance.
- Use acronyms. If an acronym is necessary for future reference, spell the full word and follow with the acronym in parentheses on the first reference.
- Use a passive voice.