Grammar

Overview

Web writing grammar should be correct, but also user-friendly. Favor clarity over complexity, and let your tone be clear, approachable, and concise. Refer to the following key grammar guidelines in your writing.

Voice

• Use active voice whenever possible.
• Example: His doctor diagnosed a case of pneumonia.
• Passive voice should be avoided.
  
• Example: A diagnosis of pneumonia was made by his doctor.

Tense

• Past tense should be used when referring to quotes or interviews.
• Example: The keynote speaker said the program would expand.

Pronouns

• Whenever possible, ask those included in the article which personal pronouns they use, and honor that in the story.
• When unsure of a pronoun choice, use the singular “they” (instead of “he or she”).

Person-centered language

• Put people first, rather than their condition or situation. For instance, “patient with AIDS” instead of “AIDS patient”; “patient with a substance use disorder” rather than “drug addict;” person with diabetes instead of “diabetic.”

Contractions and abbreviations

• Spell out “United States” on first reference. Abbreviate to “U.S.” subsequently.
• In general, use spell-outs (organizations, conditions, procedures, tests, etc.) plus commonly used abbreviations or acronyms in parentheses on first reference, and abbreviations or acronyms thereafter (“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)”, “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)”, etc.). As noted for Penn Medicine location/entity acronyms, avoid using those acronyms in most external-facing materials.
• Use postal code for state abbreviations (e.g., “Lancaster, PA”)
• LGBTQ+ is acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning and/or queer. Use of LGBTQ+ is best as an adjective and an umbrella term.
• Unique spellings
• Use the term “orthopaedics” in all mentions

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