Florida Institute of Technology

The following is a description of Florida Institute of Technology's in-house writing style for everything except technical papers and reports. This guide is set up alphabetically and contains listings that will allow you to standardize everything you write for the university. Reference materials include The Associated Press Stylebook (2004 Edition), Webster's Tenth New Dictionary and McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms (Sixth Edition).

[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X] [Y] [Z]

a, an
Use the article "a" before consonant sounds (e.g., a catastrophe); use "an" before vowel sounds (e.g., an energy crisis, an honorable man).

abbreviations

Abbreviate Co., Corp., Inc. and Ltd. when used after the name of a corporate entity.
With dates or numerals, abbreviate a.m., p.m., no. (number), A.D., B.C.
In numbered addresses, abbreviate Ave., Blvd., Ste., Rte. and St., but spell out in text.
Spell out United States as a noun, but abbreviate U.S. as an adjective.

academic degrees
See also class year and academic degees

If mention of degrees is necessary to establish someone's credentials, the preferred form is to avoid an abbreviation and use instead a phrase such as John Jones, who has a doctorate in psychology.

Use an apostrophe in bachelor's degree and master's degree. Use abbreviations such as B.S., M.A., M.B.A., LL.D. and Ph.D. only when the need to identify many individuals by degree on first reference would make the preferred form cumbersome.

When used after a name, an academic abbreviation is set off by commas. (John Jones, Ph.D., spoke.)

Do not precede a name with a courtesy title for an academic degree and follow it with the abbreviation for the degree in the same reference.

If writing generically about master's- or bachelor's-degree programs, use lowercase. Initial cap only if you refer to a specific program (Master of Science in Engineering or Bachelor of Science in English).

academic departments
It is preferred to lowercase academic departments except for words that are proper nouns or adjectives: the department of chemistry, the department of English, the chemistry department, the English department.

In Florida Tech catalogs and other publications if necessary, the department will be initial cap on first reference only.

"Department of" is used with reference to academic units. "Office of" is used with reference to administrative units. (department of humanities and communication, Office of University Publications)

academic titles
Capitalize and spell out formal titles such as Professor, Chancellor, Chairman and Dean when they precede a name. Lowercase elsewhere. Lowercase modifiers such as history Professor Robert White or department Chairman Frank Thomas.

academic years
Lowercase: the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes.

accept, except
"Accept" means to receive. "Except" means to exclude.

acoustooptic
Spell as one word, not acousto optic or acousto-optic.

acronyms
Define all but the most common abbreviations and acronyms on first reference. Do not use periods. Do not add an apostrophe when forming a plural (PCs, VAXes, IBMs).

addresses

Use the abbreviations Ave., Blvd., Dr., Rd., Ste., Ter., Rte. and St. only with numbered addresses.
Spell out when part of a formal street name given without a number or when included in text.
Always use figures for an address number.
Abbreviate compass points and omit periods with two-letter compass points.
Do not abbreviate compass points if an address number is not given (East 42nd Street; 222 E. 42nd St., North Hollywood).
Exception: On university forms and stationary, no abbreviations are used. (150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32901-6975)

administration
Lowercase: the administration, the president's administration.

adverbs

Adverbs ending in "ly" that help form compound modifiers are never followed by hyphens (tightly written story).
The adverb "well" is always followed by a hyphen in two-word combinations modifying nouns (well-written story, well-respected professor).
If the modifier follows a form of the verb "to be", however, drop the hyphen (the author is well respected).

adviser
Not advisor.

affect, effect
Generally, use "affect" as a verb—its meaning is to influence. (The game will affect the standings.) Avoid using "affect" as a noun.

Use "effect" as a noun—it means result. (The effect was overwhelming.) "Effect" as a verb means to cause. (He will effect many changes in the university.)

alumnus, alumni, alumna, alumnae
Use alumnus (alumni in the plural) when referring to a man who has attended a school. Use alumna (alumnae in the plural) for similar reference to a woman. Use alumni when referring to a group of men and women. Alumnus—one who has attended or graduated from a college or school.

among, between
Generally, "between" introduces two items and "among" introduces more than two. (The bet is between you and me. The workstations were equally divided among Macintoshes, IBMs and UNIX boxes.)

ampersand
Use only when part of a formal name (Baltimore & Ohio Railroad); use "and" in all other instances.

annual
For an event to be labeled annual, it must have taken place for at least two successive years. Avoid the phrase, first annual. Use inaugural instead.

apostrophe

Use to indicate omitted letters and figures. (class of '79, the Spirit of '76, the '20s)
Use to form plurals of single letters and possessives. (p's and q's, A's and B's)
Do NOT use an apostrophe to form plurals of numerals or multiple-letter combinations. (the 1980s, PCs)

area codes
Use parentheses around the area code (321) 674-8000. Do not use a 1 before an 800 number (800) 432-3355.

as, like
The conjunction "as" is the correct word to introduce clauses. "Like" is used correctly as a preposition to compare nouns and pronouns. (John does his job professionally, as he should. John plays guitar like a pro.)

assistant, associate
Never abbreviate. Capitalize only when part of a formal title before a name. (Assistant Professor John Smith)

audiocassette, audiotape, audiovisual
One word.

awhile, a while
When following a preposition use "a while"; otherwise spell it as one word.

bachelor of arts, bachelor of science
A bachelor's degree or bachelor's is acceptable. See capitalization.

because, since
"Because" expresses a cause-and-effect relationship. "Since" is used for reference to time. (I finished the assignment because I want a good grade. I have been doing my homework since 3 p.m.)

"Since" is acceptable in a casual sense when the first event in a sequence leads logically to the second, but is not its direct cause. (They went to the game, since they had been given tickets.)

beside, besides
Beside means at the side of. Besides means in addition to. (She is sitting beside the plant. He has other assignments besides his English homework.)

biannual, biennial
Biannual means twice a year or semiannual. Biennial means every two years.

can, may
Can—know, understand; to be able to do, make, or accomplish; to have knowledge or skill. May—have power, am able; have the ability to; have permission to.

cents
Spell out and lowercase using numerals for amounts less than a dollar (5 cents, 12 cents).

When identifying individuals by class year and academic degree, punctuate as follows:

co-
Does not follow the rule of prefixes. Retain the hyphen when forming nouns, adjectives and verbs that indicate occupation or status (co-worker, co-founder, co-author). No hyphen in other combinations (cooperate, coexist, coed, coordination).

coast
Lowercase when referring to the physical shoreline (Atlantic coast, east coast). Capitalize when referring to region of the United States lying along such shorelines (Atlantic Coast, East Coast). Do not capitalize when referring to smaller regions (the Virginia coast). Capitalize when standing alone only if the reference is to the West Coast.

communications, graphics, electronics, series, headquarters
These words are both singular and plural in construction. They do not violate the rule of plural adjectives when modifying a plural noun. The nouns that these words are modifying determine the verb tense.

compared to, compared with
Use "compared to" when the intent is to assert, without the need for elaboration, that two or more items are similar. (Her work was compared to that of Susan B. Anthony's campaign for women's suffrage.)

Use "compared with" when juxtaposing two or more items to illustrate similarities and/or differences. (His time was 2:11:10, compared with 2:14 for his closest competitor.)

complement, compliment
Complement is a noun and verb denoting completeness or the process of supplementing something. (The department has a complement of 26 professors.)

Compliment is a noun or verb that denotes praise or the expression of courtesy. (The vice president complimented the entire teaching staff.)

compose, comprise
Compose means to create or put together. (He composed a song.)

Comprise means to contain, to include all, or embrace. (The university is comprised of five basic units.)

conjunctions
It is OK to begin a sentence with a conjunction occasionally, but do not set the conjunction off with a comma. (And the ARL building contains more research laboratories.)

course names
Lowercase reference to subject matter, unless a proper noun (mathematics, science, oceanography, English)

courtesy titles
In general, (outside of standard correspondence) do NOT use the courtesy titles Miss, Mr., Mrs., Ms. on first and last names of people: Betty Ford, Jimmy Carter in regular copy.

credentials
Use periods with most credentials and academic degrees (B.S., M.S., M.B.A., Ed.S., J.D., Ph.D., etc.). List credentials only on first reference and in captions.

days of the week
Capitalize. Do not abbreviate, except in tabular format (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat).

dean
Capitalize when used as a formal title (Dean John Jones). Lowercase in other uses (John Jones, dean of the college; the dean).

decades
Use Arabic figures to indicate decades of history. Use an apostrophe to indicate numerals that are left out. Show plural by adding the letter "s." (The 1980s, the '90s, the Gay '90s, the 1920s, the mid-1950s.)

dimensions
Use figures and spell out inches, feet, yards, etc. to indicate depth, height, width, length and weight. Hyphenate adjectival forms before nouns. (He is 6 feet 7 inches tall, the 6-foot-7-inch man.)

directions and regions
Lowercase north, south, northeast, northern, etc. when they indicate compass directions; capitalize when these words designate regions. (He sat on the east side of the stadium. They came here from the Northeast. The storm system that developed in the Midwest is spreading eastward.)

distance
Use figures for 10 and above, spell out one through nine. (He ran 10 miles. He kept his top speed for only two miles.)

doctor
In text, use Dr. on first reference as a formal title before the name of an individual who holds a doctoral degree. The form Dr., or Drs., in a plural construction, applies to all first-reference uses before a name, including direct quotations. On second reference, use only the last name.

drop out (v.), dropout (n.)
(He will drop out of the English class. He will become a second-semester dropout.)

due to, because of
"Due to" is an adjectival prepositional phrase, meaning it modifies a noun. It is commonly preceded by a form of the verb "to be" (be, is, are, was, were, etc.). Because it follows a "be" verb, it is considered a subject complement: It modifies the subject of the sentence. (The team's loss was due to an incorrect answer. My financial success is due to wise investment decisions.)

"Because of" is an adverbial prepositional phrase, meaning it modifies a verb. It usually answers the question, "Why?" (The team lost because of an incorrect answer. I am financially successful because of wise investment decisions.)

each other, one another
Two people look at each other. More than two look at one another.

earth
Generally lowercase, but capitalize when used as the proper name of the planet. The one exception being earth station, which is to remain lowercase.

either...or, neither...nor
The nouns that follow these words do not constitute a compound subject; they are alternate subjects and require a verb that agrees with the nearest subject. (Either the dress is red or it is not. Neither he nor they are going.)

ellipsis
Use three dots (no spaces between them, but a space on each side) to signify that something has been left out of a direct quote or that the writer is leaping from one topic to another.

e-mail
Lowercase e, hyphen and lowercase mail. Unless as the first word of a sentence or listing, then use E-mail

emeritus, emeriti, emerita, emitae
This word often is added to formal titles to denote individuals who have retired but retain their rank or title. When used, place emeritus after the formal title, in keeping with the general practice of academic institutions. (Professor Emeritus John Johnson or John Johnson, professor emeritus of history) When referring to two or more individuals, use professors emeriti.

ensure, insure
Ensure means to guarantee. Use insure when referring to insurance.

entitle
Use to mean a right to do or have something. Do not use to mean titled.

essential clauses, nonessential clauses
The essential clause cannot be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence. The essential clause must not be set off from the rest of the sentence by commas. "That" is the preferred pronoun to introduce clauses that refer to an inanimate object.

The nonessential clause, however, can be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence. The nonessential clause must be set off from the rest of the sentence by commas. "Which" is the only acceptable pronoun to introduce a nonessential clause that refers to an inanimate object or an animal without a name.

etc.
Literal translation is "and other things." Use "and others," "and so forth" or "and so on" in copy. Don't use any of these, however, in a series that begins with "for example." In this case, etc. is appropriate. Lists introduced with "such as" or "including" don't need etc. because it's assumed there are other items besides those listed.

every one, everyone
Two words when it means each individual item. One word when used as a pronoun meaning all persons. Everyone takes singular verbs and pronouns. (Every one on the team was a winner. Everyone wants his life to be happy.)

faculty
When used alone, treat as a singular noun. (Our faculty is the best. The faculty is attending the conference.) When referring to the people who make up the faculty, use "faculty members."

farther, further
Farther refers to physical distance. Further refers to an extension of time or degree.

fewer, less
"Fewer" is used with individuals or individual items; "less" with quantity or bulk. (Fewer users on the network require less cable.)

figures
Add "s" for plurals; not apostrophe followed by "s," which is possessive (1990s, 1990's lifestyle).

flier, flyer
Flier is the preferred term for an aviator or an advertising poster or handbill. Flyer is the proper name of some trains and buses (The Western Flyer).

Florida Institute of Technology
This is the official name of the university. Use full name for first reference, then use Florida Tech.

fractions
Spell out amounts less than one in stories, using hyphens between words (two-thirds, four-fifths, etc.).

full time (n.), full-time (compound modifier)
(She is a full-time engineering student. He also goes to class full time.)

fundraising, fundraiser
(Fundraising is difficult. They planned a fundraising event. A fundraiser was hired. This event is a fundraiser for the radio station.)

good, well
Good is an adjective that means something is as it should be or is better than average. Generally not used as an adverb.

Well, when used as an adjective, means suitable, proper, healthy. When used as an adverb, well means in a satisfactory manner or skillfully. (The boat runs well.)

government
Always lowercase, unless part of an agency or committee name; never abbreviate.

hands-on
Hyphenate as a compound modifier. (Each class offers hands-on experience.)

health care (n.), health-care (compound modifier)
(Health care is essential in this day and time. Today, health-care specialists are very important.)

high-level
Hyphenate as a compound modifier. (This high-level decision will affect us all.)

high-tech
Hyphenate as a compound modifier, except in the proper name High Tech Corridor.

honorary degrees
All references to honorary degrees should specify that the degree was honorary.

hopefully
Means in a hopeful manner. Do not use it to mean "it is hoped," "let us hope" or "we hope." (It is hoped that we will complete our work by June.)

however
Avoid starting a sentence with "however" when the meaning is nevertheless. "However" is used correctly at the beginning of a sentence when it means "in whatever way" or "to whatever extent." (However you advise him, he will do as he thinks best.)

jump lines
Not necessary to have a jump line from one page to the following page. However, it is necessary to include a jump line when it is not immediately apparent that the copy is continuing on the next page.

junior, senior
Abbreviate as Jr. and Sr. only with full names of persons or animals. Do not precede with a comma.

kilowatt-hours
Hyphenate as a noun. Abbreviate kilowatt, kW. (Abbreviation is preferred by most technical sources.)

like
Should not be substituted for "as" (or such as) when comparing two or more nouns. (We use programs like Lotus 1-2-3 and WordStar means you used programs that were similar to Lotus 1-2-3 and WordStar; you didn't use Lotus 1-2-3 or WordStar. We used programs such as Lotus 1-2-3 and WordStar is correct if you actually used Lotus 1-2-3 and WordStar.)

lists (numbered)
This type of list should be introduced by a main clause, followed by a colon. The first word of each item should be capitalized, and each item should have appropriate ending punctuation.

lists (in sentences)
Simple lists of items in sentence form should be separated by commas (The color choices were red, white and green) with no serial comma, e.g., before the "and." However, when the comma is necessary for clarity or to avoid confusion, then use it. (The color choices were blue and black, purple, yellow, and green and orange.)