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FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style: Difference between revisions
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'''Simplicity.''' Writing should be clear and simple. When a term is used that may be unfamiliar to people (for example, gazetteer), it should be defined the first time it appears in the body of an article. Avoid using specialized terms or acronymns when a common term is available. As much as possible, the information should be understandable for every user, even if English is not the user's first language. | '''Simplicity.''' Writing should be clear and simple. When a term is used that may be unfamiliar to people (for example, gazetteer), it should be defined the first time it appears in the body of an article. Avoid using specialized terms or acronymns when a common term is available. As much as possible, the information should be understandable for every user, even if English is not the user's first language. | ||
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== Grammar == | |||
'''Important:''' Even if users are concerned about their writing skills, the FamilySearch Research Wiki would like them to contribute information. Other members of the wiki community can help polish the writing. <br> | |||
'''Consistent grammar style within an article.''' Grammar styles may vary by a contributor’s location and preference. Whatever style is chosen by the original contributor should be maintained throughout the article. Other contributors should follow the original style.<br> | |||
'''Complete sentences.''' Write with complete sentences (sentences that contain a subject and verb). Complete sentences are easier to understand, especially if English is not a user’s native language. The command form (which has an implied subject) is considered a complete sentence.<br> Correct: The parish kept the records from 1770 to 1932. <br> Correct: Click the link to the Family History Library Catalog.<br> Incorrect: Not bad. | |||
'''Shorter sentences that express one idea.''' As much as possible, write with shorter sentences that express one idea. They are easier to understand, especially if English is not a user’s native language.<br> Correct: This is an index to some birth and christening records from Arizona. The records cover 1909 through 1917. The index is not necessarily complete for any particular place or region.<br> | |||
'''Neutral tone'''. Writing should be factual and avoid stereotypes, judgments, and gender bias. However, quotes should not be changed to meet this guideline. <br> | |||
'''Not using “he or she.”''' As much as possible, avoid using “he or she” and “his or hers” (for example, “He or she can use the index to find his or her ancestor’s record quickly”). Do not use the plural pronoun “they” to replace “he or she.” Often, the problem can be solved by rewriting the sentence. <br> Correct: When users find an ancestor’s family in the census, they should copy all the information for the family. <br> Incorrect: When a user finds his or her ancestor’s family in the census, he or she should copy all the information for the family. <br> Incorrect: When a user finds their ancestor’s family in the census, they should copy all the information for the family. <br> | |||
'''Avoiding unclear “antecedents.”''' A pronoun represents to the last noun used before the pronoun. For clarity, pronouns should be used correctly. If needed, rewrite the sentence or repeat the noun. <br> Correct: Ancestors who fought in the U.S. Civil War may be listed in the U.S. Civil War pension records. <br> Correct: If ancestors of the users fought in the U.S. Civil War, users may find the ancestors’ records in the U.S. Civil War pension records. <br> Incorrect: If the ancestors fought in the U.S. Civil War, they may find their records in the U.S. Civil War pension records. (Here “they” is meant to represent users, but “they” would mean “the ancestors.”) | |||
'''Avoiding “we” and “I.”''' Contributors should not use “we” or “I” to refer to themselves and others in the wiki community. <br> Correct: If there are differing opinions about information in an article, the opinions can be added to the Discussion page to get input from the wiki community. <br> Incorrect: If there are differing opinions about information in an article, we want the opinions added to the Discussion page to get input from the wiki community. <br> | |||
'''Ampersand (&).''' Do not replace the word “and” with an ampersand (&).<br>Exception: If the ampersand is part of an official name, use the ampersand. <br> | |||
'''Accepted authority.''' When there is uncertainty about grammar, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<br> | |||
'''Using the Discussion page.''' If differing opinions about a grammar issue cannot be resolved by referring to an accepted authority, the opinions should be added to the article’s Discussion page for input from the wiki community.<br><br> | |||
== Naming == | == Naming == | ||