Happy fall, y’all!
For this month’s University of Oregon Editorial Style Guide quick tips, let’s review a few recent questions. Check ’em out to ensure your communications follow UO editorial style.
apostrophes (’) vs. single quote marks (‘)
- The two are not interchangeable, of course. Here’s a common mistake: Alex Smith, ‘94, which is erroneously using a single quote mark instead of an apostrophe: Alex Smith, ’94. (Note the use of “smart” apostrophes and quote marks, which curl.)
Ducks fans, not Duck fans:
- One UO student, alum, etc., is a Duck, but one is not a “Duck fan.” When using the team name as an adjective, use Ducks, not Duck: Ducks fans (i.e., fans of the Ducks) packed the stands in Autzen Stadium. Ducks families are excited about Homecoming.
- One exception: the name of an organization, such as the Duck Athletic Fund.
they
- Use of they is appropriate in reference to an unknown or unspecified person or a person whose gender is intentionally not revealed. An employee with a grievance can file a complaint if they need to. The student’s name was not released but they face misdemeanor charges.
- Use of they is also appropriate in reference to a nonbinary person, if the person uses this pronoun (it’s always best to check with the subject). The person adopted their gender-neutral name a few years ago, when they began to identify as nonbinary.
3D or 3-D?
- Either! UO editorial style follows the Chicago Manual of Style and the Merriam-Webster dictionary. The former prefers 3-D, the latter, 3D. Need a tiebreaker? Concise communication is always preferred—even saving a single character counts!—so go with 3D.
Questions? Email editor Matt Cooper, University Communications.