USAC Style Choices

Below is a working list of style choices used at USAC. When using this language, be sure to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure that USAC content is consistent across divisions, for both internal and external audiences.

Please note that the capitalization and punctuation listed below is intentional and should be used accordingly. For example, “internet” should always be lowercase unless it is the first word in a sentence. “Congress” should always be capitalized, whether or not it is the first word in a sentence.

If you are looking for specific language guidance, use the CTRL+F function to search. If you have any specific questions about this section of the content guide or have language you would like to see updated or added, please contact communications@usac.org.

Correct Term

Common Mistakes

Rules

as of

as-of

This is a prepositional phrase used to refer to a specific point in time or a date, indicating when something is current or valid. It should never be hyphenated. For example: “The report was ready as of July 31, 2023.”

a.m.

A.M.; AM

Always use periods and keep lowercase.

biweekly

bi-weekly

This is one word and should not include a hyphen.

canceled

cancelled

Only use one "l".

check-in (noun)

check in

This is two words and includes a hyphen when used as a noun. For example: "Participants arrived early for check-in."

check-in (adj.)

check in

This is two words and includes a hyphen when used as an adjective. For example: "Participants stopped at the check-in table first."

check in (verb)

check-in

This is two words and does not include a hypen when used as a verb. For example: "Participants check in on the 9th floor."

Congress

congress

This is a proper noun and should always be capitalized. Congress refers to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

congressional

Congressional

This is not typically a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is the first word in a sentence, part of a title, or part of a proper noun (such as "Congressional Record").

COVID-19

Covid-19; COVID19

"COVID" should be in all caps. Use a hyphen.

Dataset

Data set

This is one word.

D.C.

Do not use periods.

drop-down

drop down; dropdown

Use a hyphen.

e-learning; e-Learning

E-learning; E-Learning

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is part of a title. If part of a title, use "e-Learning."

e.g.,

e.g.

This is used in place of saying “for example.” Use periods and include a comma.

e-mail

Do not use a hyphen.

EDT, EST, Eastern Time

Use "ET" when referring to time. Only use "EDT" when absolutely necessary for further clarity.

executive branch

Executive Branch

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is part of a title or the first word in a sentence.

federal

Federal

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is the first word in a sentence, part of a title, or part of a proper noun (such as "Federal Bureau of Engraving").

federal government

Federal Government or Federal government

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is part of a title or the first word in a sentence.

government

Government

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is the first word in a sentence, part of a title, or part of a proper noun (such as "Government Printing Office").

gray

grey

Use an "a".

healthcare

health care

This is always one word with the exception of "health care provider (HCP)" or "Rural Health Care program".

human-centered design

human centered design or human-centered-design

Use one hyphen between "human" and "centered".

i.e.,

i.e.

This is used in place of saying “in other words” or “in essence.” Use periods and include a comma.

Indigenous

indigenous

This is a proper noun and should always be capitalized.

internet

Internet

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is the first word in a sentence, part of a title, or part of a proper noun (such as "Internet Safety Policy").

kickoff (adj.)

kick-off or kick off

This is one word when used as an adjective. For example: "The kickoff webinar begins at noon."

kickoff (noun)

kick-off or kick off

This is one word when used as a noun. For example: "You missed the kickoff yesterday."

kick off (verb)

kickoff or kick-off

This is two words with no hypen when used as a verb. For example: "Let’s kick off today’s meeting with an introduction."

log-in or log in

This is one word when used as a noun. For example: "I forgot my login and password."

log-in or log in

This is one word when used as an adjective. For example: "Make sure the login page is 508 compliant."

This is two words with no hypen when used as a verb. For example: "Log in to access your calendar."

Native American

native American

This is a proper noun and should always be capitalized.

not-for-profit

not for profit

Use hyphens.

p.m.

P.M. or PM

Always use periods and keep lowercase.

percent

Spell out whenever possible. Only use the symbol when space is tight, such as in a chart or table.

PO Box

P.O. Box

PO Box is the term used by the USPS.

pueblo

Pueblo

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is part of a title or the first word in a sentence.

section

Spell out whenever possible but only capitalize the "S" when referencing a numbered part of an order. Only use the symbol when space is tight, such as in a chart or table.

states

States

This is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase unless it is the first word in a sentence, part of a title, or part of a proper noun. For example: "All 50 states responded."

*States

Spell out state names when alone in running text (such as "California"). Abbreviate when used in a table or when used with a city (such as "Los Angeles, CA"). Abbreviate using appropriate U.S. Postal Service abbreviations.

tech

This is an acceptable, informal way to shorten "technology."

technology

Spell out if using formally.

to date

to-date

This is a prepositional phrase used to refer to the present time or up until the current date. It should never be hyphenated. For example: “We have received 500 FCC Forms 499 to date.”

to do (noun and verb)

to-do

This is two words and does not include a hyphen when used as a noun. For example: "Your to dos".

to-do (adj.)

to do

This is two words and includes a hyphen when used as an adjective. For example: "Your to-do list".

Tribal

tribal

Always capitalize. Using Tribal as a stand alone noun is not preferred. Use tribe or tribes if it is a stand alone noun.

Tribal land; non-Tribal land

Tribal Land; Native Land

"Tribal" is always capitalized and "land" is never capitalized unless part of a title. "Native" is inconsistent with USAC language.

Tribal Nation(s)

Tribal nation(s)

Always capitalize. Using Tribal as a stand alone noun is not preferred. Use tribe or tribes if it is a stand alone noun.

Tribe

tribe

Capitalized when part of a proper noun. Use the official name for a tribe posted in the Federal Register. This content is updated every year. For example: "The Shawnee Tribe is located in Oklahoma."

tribe

Tribe

This should remain lowercase when not part of a proper noun. For example: "The tribe is one of 39 federally recognized tribes located in Oklahoma."

United States government or U.S. government

U.S. Government

United States "government" is not a proper noun and should remain lowercase, unless part of a title.

*urls

URLs should be always be lowercase, even when they appear at the start of a sentence. Do not use http:// with a URL. Also, try to not have the url start the sentence. For example: instead of "notalone.gov launched today," write "Today, we launched notalone.gov."

U.S.

US or USA

Use periods.

U.S. mail

US Mail

Use periods for U.S. and only capitalize the “m” in a title.

webpage

web page or web-page

This is one word.

website

web site or web-site

This is one word.

wrap-up (noun)

wrap up

Use a hyphen.

Wi-Fi

wifi or WiFi

Capitalize and use a hyphen.