Style points

Describing our organisation

We use NHSGGC or NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Not NHS GG&C or NHSGG&C. Even better say 'We', 'our' and 'us'. Don't use 'the Board' unless you are referring to a meeting or decision of the actual Board.

Numbers and time

The rules for writing numbers online differ from those for print so:

• Write numbers with digits, not letters (23, not twenty-three)
• Use numerals even when the number is the first word in a sentence or bullet point
• Use numerals for big numbers up to one billon (2,000,000 is better than two million)
• When a number is not specific use words – for example ‘We tested hundreds of samples’ but ‘We tested 457 samples’

Time should not be in the 24 hour clock, but as follows:

9.00am - not 0900, or 09:00

2.30pm - not 1430 or 14:30, or 14.30

Language

Avoid very colloquial language.  Speakers of other languages will most likely understand Standard English words. Contractions such as ‘you’re’ instead of ‘you are’, ‘don’t’ instead of ‘do not’ are more engaging and easier to understand. There’s room for humour, but use it sparingly. Be a little more formal in writing than when speaking. Watch for ambiguity.

Avoid the passive voice: choose ‘the team decided’, not ‘it was decided by the team’.

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