Even if your copy is on message and reads well, small errors can sink you.
Every month, our team — led by proofreader Sarah Muench — shares a proofreading tip or two to help you strengthen your content, one detail at a time.
Pre-pregnancy or Prepregnancy?
Your gut might tell you to hyphenate “pre-pregnancy” or other words using the prefix “pre.” But you might be dating yourself. That’s because in recent years, the Associated Press added “pre” and “post” to the [...]
How to Stylize Bulleted Lists
We have another important entry for your company style guide: how to stylize bulleted lists. It’s worth adding this one because a lot of people go rogue. Here’s what you need to explain: Capitalization in [...]
Should I Use “Says” or “Said”?
Attribution is important in stories, and you may be confused about whether you should use “says” or “said.” You might also wonder: Does it really matter? This won’t surprise you, but at Active Voice Communications, [...]
Breath vs. Breathe
Breathe is a verb. For example: After her new asthma medications, she could breathe easier. Breath is a noun. For example: Whenever he was stressed out, he took a deep breath.
Guidance on capitalizing New Year
As you prepare your content to welcome your audiences to the new year, it's a good time to brush up on capitalization rules. Here's the general rule: Capitalize "New Year" when referring to the holiday, [...]
M.D. or MD?
Is it M.D. or MD? AP Style recommends using periods with academic degrees (e.g., M.D.). However, at AVC, we prefer the cleaner look of no periods (MD). Whatever style you choose, the key is to [...]
Percent: Embrace the Symbol
The Associated Press Stylebook now uses the % symbol when paired with a number (no space). This was a change for AP in 2019. Examples: The project was completed 75% faster. Her grade improved by [...]
Sequential Designations
We frequently see style questions about sequential designations — numerals vs. spelling out and capitalization rules. For example: Phase 1, which includes a new nurses’ station and renovations to operating rooms in the east wing, [...]
Set up, setup and set-up
Setup is a noun and adjective and set up is a verb. For example: He was set up by the mob. Her home entertainment center setup looked expensive. Do not use set-up.
Capital vs. Capitol
Capital means uppercase letters, money/wealth or the city that serves as the seat of a country's or state's government. A capitol is the building where the legislative branch (Congress) convenes. Capitalize U.S. Capitol. Also, capitalize [...]