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FamilySearch Wiki:Manual of Style: Difference between revisions
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== General Principles == | == General Principles == | ||
'''Respectful interactions.''' Comments and editing should be made with respect for other users and contributors. [[FamilySearch Wiki:Etiquette Guidelines]] | '''Respectful interactions.''' Comments and editing should be made with respect for other users and contributors. [[FamilySearch Wiki:Etiquette Guidelines]] | ||
'''Alternate opinions of information.''' How genealogists do family history is very individualized. Rather than editing and reediting an article, alternate information or methods may be added in a section such as "Other ways to find the information". | '''Alternate opinions of information.''' How genealogists do family history is very individualized. Rather than editing and reediting an article, alternate information or methods may be added in a section such as "Other ways to find the information". | ||
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'''Neutrality.''' Articles should be as neutral as possible. Descriptions should be factual and avoid negative or positive judgements ("settlers from western Europe" rather than "poor, uneducated peasants"). Hype should be avoided ("The greatest thing since sliced bread!"). [[FamilySearch Wiki:Neutral point of view]] | '''Neutrality.''' Articles should be as neutral as possible. Descriptions should be factual and avoid negative or positive judgements ("settlers from western Europe" rather than "poor, uneducated peasants"). Hype should be avoided ("The greatest thing since sliced bread!"). [[FamilySearch Wiki:Neutral point of view]] | ||
'''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. | ||
== Bylines == | == Bylines == | ||
Anyone can contribute to FamilySearch Wiki. [[FamilySearch Wiki:Ownership of articles|Pages are not owned]] by anyone exclusively. Since anyone can add to a page, the original author of a page will see his work added to and changed by others. When a contributor adds or edits a wiki page, he relinquishes ownership of the content to the community. This relinquishment of content to the community is stated not only in a [[FamilySearch Wiki:Policies|policy page]] but also in the editing screen everyone uses to add content. For all these reasons, [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/byline bylines] are not appropriate on wiki pages. If information is added to the wiki from a specific published work, it is appropriate to [[Help:How to add citations|cite that]] work in a footnote, but it is not appropriate to "retain ownership" of a page through use of a byline. | Anyone can contribute to FamilySearch Wiki. [[FamilySearch Wiki:Ownership of articles|Pages are not owned]] by anyone exclusively. Since anyone can add to a page, the original author of a page will see his work added to and changed by others. When a contributor adds or edits a wiki page, he relinquishes ownership of the content to the community. This relinquishment of content to the community is stated not only in a [[FamilySearch Wiki:Policies|policy page]] but also in the editing screen everyone uses to add content. For all these reasons, [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/byline bylines] are not appropriate on wiki pages. If information is added to the wiki from a specific published work, it is appropriate to [[Help:How to add citations|cite that]] work in a footnote, but it is not appropriate to "retain ownership" of a page through use of a byline. | ||
== Grammar and Style == | == Grammar and Style == | ||
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'''Accepted authority.''' When there is uncertainty about grammar, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<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> | '''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 == | ||
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=== Name a new article === | === Name a new article === | ||
{{main|FamilySearch Wiki:Name a new article}}Before creating a new article, take the time to think of a name that clearly explains in a few words the content of the article. <br> | {{main|FamilySearch Wiki:Name a new article}}Before creating a new article, take the time to think of a name that clearly explains in a few words the content of the article. <br> | ||
*'''Unique titles.''' No two articles may have the same title. <br> | *'''Unique titles.''' No two articles may have the same title. <br> | ||
*A wiki search should be done for the proposed title to ensure that there is not an existing article with that title.<br> | *A wiki search should be done for the proposed title to ensure that there is not an existing article with that title.<br> | ||
*Avoid duplication of articles. If an article already exists for the same topic, contributors should edit the existing article rather than create a new article. | *Avoid duplication of articles. If an article already exists for the same topic, contributors should edit the existing article rather than create a new article. | ||
*'''Specific but short titles.''' Titles should be as short as possible but specific enough that users can identify the topic of the article when it appears in the search results. Avoid clever but unclear titles. Remove any unnecessary words or punctuation. | *'''Specific but short titles.''' Titles should be as short as possible but specific enough that users can identify the topic of the article when it appears in the search results. Avoid clever but unclear titles. Remove any unnecessary words or punctuation. | ||
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:'''Exception:''' The historical records collections in FamilySearch.org use book title capitalization.<br> | :'''Exception:''' The historical records collections in FamilySearch.org use book title capitalization.<br> | ||
{| width="625" | {| width="625" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''Correct'''<br> | | '''Correct'''<br> | ||
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|} | |} | ||
Other rules apply when citing sources within wiki articles. See [[FamilySearch Wiki:Source Citation Formats|FamilySearch Wiki:Source Citation Format]]. | Other rules apply when citing sources within wiki articles. See [[FamilySearch Wiki:Source Citation Formats|FamilySearch Wiki:Source Citation Format]]. | ||
==== Place names ==== | ==== Place names ==== | ||
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:'''Exception:''' The titles of historical records collections in FamilySearch.org list places in descending order. | :'''Exception:''' The titles of historical records collections in FamilySearch.org list places in descending order. | ||
{| width="625" | {| width="625" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''Correct'''<br> | | '''Correct'''<br> | ||
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'''Places and dates in titles.''' If the place, country, or time period is important to the content of the article, include them in the title of the article. Add the word county in the title if the article is about a county.<br> | '''Places and dates in titles.''' If the place, country, or time period is important to the content of the article, include them in the title of the article. Add the word county in the title if the article is about a county.<br> | ||
{| width="625" | {| width="625" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''Correct'''<br> | | '''Correct'''<br> | ||
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|} | |} | ||
==== '''Diacritics and quotation marks''' <br> ==== | ==== '''Diacritics and quotation marks''' <br> ==== | ||
In article titles, you may use words with diacritics or letters that do not appear in the English alphabet however, the search engine may not display the article if users search for the English version of the word. Quotation marks should be avoided in article titles.<br> | In article titles, you may use words with diacritics or letters that do not appear in the English alphabet however, the search engine may not display the article if users search for the English version of the word. Quotation marks should be avoided in article titles.<br> | ||
==== Punctuation in the title ==== | ==== Punctuation in the title ==== | ||
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Do not end the title with punctuation. | Do not end the title with punctuation. | ||
{| width="625" | {| width="625" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''Correct'''<br> | | '''Correct'''<br> | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| Finding newspaper records <br> | | Finding newspaper records <br> | ||
| Finding newspaper records. <br> | | Finding newspaper records. <br> | ||
| <br> | | <br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== '''Abbreviations'''<br> ==== | ==== '''Abbreviations'''<br> ==== | ||
Abbreviations, including US postal codes, should not be used in article titles or text because abbreviations can mean different things in different parts of the world. For example, the abbreviation CA could mean either California or Canada, depending on the reader's nationality. | Abbreviations, including US postal codes, should not be used in article titles or text because abbreviations can mean different things in different parts of the world. For example, the abbreviation CA could mean either California or Canada, depending on the reader's nationality. | ||
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==== '''Italics''' ==== | ==== '''Italics''' ==== | ||
In a title, italicize only the titles of books and ships.<br> | In a title, italicize only the titles of books and ships.<br> | ||
=== Rename an existing article === | === Rename an existing article === | ||
Renaming (moving) an article or page means giving it another name. In other words, the content on a page contained under one title is moved to a new page with a different title. The page is "renamed." Renaming an existing article may be desired if you find that the article title was misspelled or is ambiguous.<br> | Renaming (moving) an article or page means giving it another name. In other words, the content on a page contained under one title is moved to a new page with a different title. The page is "renamed." Renaming an existing article may be desired if you find that the article title was misspelled or is ambiguous.<br> | ||
{{main|Help:Renaming a page}} | {{main|Help:Renaming a page}} | ||
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'''Guidelines for subheadings/section titles.''' Use the guidelines for article titles with the following differences. | '''Guidelines for subheadings/section titles.''' Use the guidelines for article titles with the following differences. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Punctuation == | == Punctuation == | ||
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::::Correct: Bannow, County Wexford, Ireland | ::::Correct: Bannow, County Wexford, Ireland | ||
::::Correct: He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, in an area that is now part of LaRue County, Kentucky. | ::::Correct: He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, in an area that is now part of LaRue County, Kentucky. | ||
::::Incorrect: Bannow County Wexford <br> | ::::Incorrect: Bannow County Wexford <br> | ||
'''Punctuation in numbers.''' Use commas in numbers over 999 (for example, 1,000; 1,000,000, and so on). Use a period to indicate a fraction of a digit (for example .25, 3.76, and so on).<br> | '''Punctuation in numbers.''' Use commas in numbers over 999 (for example, 1,000; 1,000,000, and so on). Use a period to indicate a fraction of a digit (for example .25, 3.76, and so on).<br> | ||
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'''Punctuation within quotation marks.''' English-speaking areas follow differing guidelines for adding punctuation within quotation marks (for example, whether the period is placed within or outside of the final quotation mark). When editing, contributors should follow the existing style in the article. | '''Punctuation within quotation marks.''' English-speaking areas follow differing guidelines for adding punctuation within quotation marks (for example, whether the period is placed within or outside of the final quotation mark). When editing, contributors should follow the existing style in the article. | ||
::::Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago.” | ::::Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago.” | ||
::::Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago”. <br> | ::::Correct: Lincoln began the Gettysburg address by referring to the Revolutionary War, which occurred “Four score and seven years ago”. <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> | '''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> | ||
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'''And/or. '''Do not use “and/or.” Rewrite the sentence, or use just one word. If items are frequently together, use “and.” If items are seldom together, use “or.” <br>Correct: Each record has a death and burial date. <br>Correct: Each record has a death or burial date. Some records have both dates. <br>Incorrect: Each record has a death and/or burial date. | '''And/or. '''Do not use “and/or.” Rewrite the sentence, or use just one word. If items are frequently together, use “and.” If items are seldom together, use “or.” <br>Correct: Each record has a death and burial date. <br>Correct: Each record has a death or burial date. Some records have both dates. <br>Incorrect: Each record has a death and/or burial date. | ||
'''Using a slash (/) between two years.''' Do not use a slash between two years unless you are writing an actual double date (see guideline 15.8). Use the word “or.” | '''Using a slash (/) between two years.''' Do not use a slash between two years unless you are writing an actual double date (see guideline 15.8). Use the word “or.” | ||
::::Correct: In 1530 or 1531, the parish boundaries were changed. | ::::Correct: In 1530 or 1531, the parish boundaries were changed. | ||
::::Incorrect: In 1530/1531, the parish boundaries were changed. <br> | ::::Incorrect: In 1530/1531, the parish boundaries were changed. <br> | ||
'''Parentheses and brackets.''' Use parentheses ( ) around explanatory or alternate information. If the information in parentheses is a complete sentence, the period goes within the final parenthesis. (This sentence would be an example.) Use brackets [ ] to indicate words in a quote that have been altered from the original. | '''Parentheses and brackets.''' Use parentheses ( ) around explanatory or alternate information. If the information in parentheses is a complete sentence, the period goes within the final parenthesis. (This sentence would be an example.) Use brackets [ ] to indicate words in a quote that have been altered from the original. | ||
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::::Correct: 10 Vendémiaire IX (2 October 1800) | ::::Correct: 10 Vendémiaire IX (2 October 1800) | ||
::::Correct: “All men [and women] are created equal.” | ::::Correct: “All men [and women] are created equal.” | ||
::::Incorrect: 10 Vendémiaire IX [2 October 1800] | ::::Incorrect: 10 Vendémiaire IX [2 October 1800] | ||
'''Quotation marks.''' Use double quotation marks around quotes and titles of articles rather than single quotation marks. | '''Quotation marks.''' Use double quotation marks around quotes and titles of articles rather than single quotation marks. | ||
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::::Correct: For more information about these records, see “Australia Census.” | ::::Correct: For more information about these records, see “Australia Census.” | ||
::::Incorrect: For more information about these records, see ‘Australia Census.’ | ::::Incorrect: For more information about these records, see ‘Australia Census.’ | ||
'''The “#” symbol for the word “number.”''' The symbol “#” does not represent the word “number” in all cultures. Instead of “#”, use “number,” “No.,” or reword the sentence. | '''The “#” symbol for the word “number.”''' The symbol “#” does not represent the word “number” in all cultures. Instead of “#”, use “number,” “No.,” or reword the sentence. | ||
::::Correct: The number 1 cause of war deaths was disease. | ::::Correct: The number 1 cause of war deaths was disease. | ||
::::Incorrect: The #1 cause of war deaths was disease. <br> | ::::Incorrect: The #1 cause of war deaths was disease. <br> | ||
'''Accepted authority.''' Because of the variety in the rules of punctuation, this list of guidelines is brief. When there is uncertainty about punctuation, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<br><br> | '''Accepted authority.''' Because of the variety in the rules of punctuation, this list of guidelines is brief. When there is uncertainty about punctuation, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.<br><br> | ||
== Formatting == | == Formatting == | ||
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==== Underline ==== | ==== Underline ==== | ||
Because the use of underline indicates text with a [http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/h/hyperlink.html hyperlink] that can be clicked to learn more, do not use underline as a way to emphasize text. Do not underline book titles.<br> | Because the use of underline indicates text with a [http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/h/hyperlink.html hyperlink] that can be clicked to learn more, do not use underline as a way to emphasize text. Do not underline book titles.<br> | ||
=== Source Citations === | === Source Citations === | ||
{{main|FamilySearch Wiki:Source Citation Formats}} | |||
{{main|FamilySearch Wiki:Source Citation Formats}} | |||
=== Geographical Names === | === Geographical Names === | ||
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=== Acronyms and Abbreviations === | === Acronyms and Abbreviations === | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Capitalization<br> == | == Capitalization<br> == | ||
'''Merriam-Webster.''' When in doubt, follow | '''Merriam-Webster.''' When in doubt, follow Merriam-Webster. | ||
'''Articles, buttons, or tabs.''' When referring to an article, button, or tab name, use the capitalization from the article title, button or tab. | '''Articles, buttons, or tabs.''' When referring to an article, button, or tab name, use the capitalization from the article title, button or tab. | ||
:::: Correct: If another style guideline is needed, list the issue on the Discussion page. | ::::Correct: If another style guideline is needed, list the issue on the Discussion page. | ||
::::Incorrect: If another style guideline is needed, list the issue on the discussion page. | ::::Incorrect: If another style guideline is needed, list the issue on the discussion page. | ||
'''Capitalization and spelling of some common terms.''' For the FamilySearch Research Wiki, use the following capitalizations and spellings. | '''Capitalization and spelling of some common terms.''' For the FamilySearch Research Wiki, use the following capitalizations and spellings. | ||
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'''Dates.''' Capitalize the names of months and days of the week. | '''Dates.''' Capitalize the names of months and days of the week. | ||
'''Spelling variations of English.''' Variations of English are acceptable. For example, either colour (British) or color (United States) is acceptable. Each article should use only one variation of English. When editing, use the variation of English already established in the article. | '''Spelling variations of English.''' Variations of English are acceptable. For example, either colour (British) or color (United States) is acceptable. Each article should use only one variation of English. When editing, use the variation of English already established in the article. | ||
== Linking == | == Linking == | ||
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==== Links should not display the full URL ==== | ==== Links should not display the full URL ==== | ||
Many URLs (website addresses) are long and not reader-friendly. For readability's sake, links should not include the full URL of the destination page. There may be extremely rare instances where displaying the full URL is desirable, but this should be the exception, not the rule, and should be done only if there is a compelling reason.<br> | Many URLs (website addresses) are long and not reader-friendly. For readability's sake, links should not include the full URL of the destination page. There may be extremely rare instances where displaying the full URL is desirable, but this should be the exception, not the rule, and should be done only if there is a compelling reason.<br> | ||
===== '''Example 1: a link by itself''' ===== | ===== '''Example 1: a link by itself''' ===== | ||
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'''Correct:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] | '''Correct:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] | ||
'''Incorrect:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/ www.familysearch.org/] | '''Incorrect:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/ www.familysearch.org/] | ||
===== Example 2: a link in context ===== | ===== Example 2: a link in context ===== | ||
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== Draft Pages or Sandboxes == | == Draft Pages or Sandboxes == | ||
Major editing work on a page that will not be finished for an extended time may confuse visitors to the page. To avoid this, it is recommend that lengthy or long term editing preparations are worked on in a [[FamilySearch Wiki:Sandbox|sandbox]] you create. Be sure to add a link in the "Discussion" page of where the planned changes will be posted, to the sandbox where the planned changes are being worked on. This will allow comments on the new content until it is moved from the sandbox page to the page that needs the changes. {{further|FamilySearch Wiki:About the Sandbox}} | Major editing work on a page that will not be finished for an extended time may confuse visitors to the page. To avoid this, it is recommend that lengthy or long term editing preparations are worked on in a [[FamilySearch Wiki:Sandbox|sandbox]] you create. Be sure to add a link in the "Discussion" page of where the planned changes will be posted, to the sandbox where the planned changes are being worked on. This will allow comments on the new content until it is moved from the sandbox page to the page that needs the changes. {{further|FamilySearch Wiki:About the Sandbox}} | ||
== Measurements == | == Measurements == | ||
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'''Metric or U.S.''' If measurements are needed, they can be written in metric or U.S. systems. The same system should be used throughout the article. It is recommended that the contributor provide the measurement in both systems. Metric may be listed first with the U.S. equivalent in parentheses, or the U.S. measurement may be listed first with the metric equivalent in parentheses. The same order should be used throughout the article. | '''Metric or U.S.''' If measurements are needed, they can be written in metric or U.S. systems. The same system should be used throughout the article. It is recommended that the contributor provide the measurement in both systems. Metric may be listed first with the U.S. equivalent in parentheses, or the U.S. measurement may be listed first with the metric equivalent in parentheses. The same order should be used throughout the article. | ||
::::Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 2 ft (610 mm) wide. | ::::Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 2 ft (610 mm) wide. | ||
::::Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 610 mm (2 ft) wide. <br> | ::::Correct: Many narrow-gauge railroads in the Maine forests were 610 mm (2 ft) wide. <br> | ||
'''Including a unit.''' Always include the unit of measurement with the number (for example, yard, meter, quart, and so on). Standard abbreviations may be used if they do not have more than one meaning. | '''Including a unit.''' Always include the unit of measurement with the number (for example, yard, meter, quart, and so on). Standard abbreviations may be used if they do not have more than one meaning. | ||
::::Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 square miles (153 square kilometers). | ::::Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 square miles (153 square kilometers). | ||
::::Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 sq mi (153 km2). | ::::Correct: Staten Island in New York City covers 59 sq mi (153 km2). | ||
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'''Listing costs of services.''' When referring users to a site or institution that charges for its services, it is appropriate to let users know there will be a charge. However, because prices change often, it is best to avoid listing the exact cost of the services. | '''Listing costs of services.''' When referring users to a site or institution that charges for its services, it is appropriate to let users know there will be a charge. However, because prices change often, it is best to avoid listing the exact cost of the services. | ||
::::Correct: There is a fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. | ::::Correct: There is a fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. | ||
::::Incorrect: There is a US$27-$29 fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. | ::::Incorrect: There is a US$27-$29 fee to get a copy of a deceased ancestor’s Social Security application. | ||
'''Identifying the currency listed.''' If it is important to indicate an amount of money, indicate both the amount and which currency is listed (Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, British pounds, and so on). Frequently, an abbreviation for the country is listed in front of the amount (for example, US$25). The original price and the equivalent in today’s money may be listed. | '''Identifying the currency listed.''' If it is important to indicate an amount of money, indicate both the amount and which currency is listed (Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, British pounds, and so on). Frequently, an abbreviation for the country is listed in front of the amount (for example, US$25). The original price and the equivalent in today’s money may be listed. | ||
::::Correct: In 1800, a private in the British infantry was paid 1 shilling a day. | ::::Correct: In 1800, a private in the British infantry was paid 1 shilling a day. | ||
::::Correct: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France US$15,000,000. | ::::Correct: For the Louisiana Territory, the United States paid France US$15,000,000. | ||