Web Style Guide

It does not replace style requirements for academic or classroom writing, and it may be inappropriate for print material or for digital content that is not published at hope.edu. It is never a substitute for common sense.

This style guide can help consistently follow the conventions that are used across Hope’s website, but does not substitute good writing.

Good writing uses simple and plain language. It knows its audience, and it addresses audience questions with words and meaning that are easy to understand. 

Good writing is clear, consistent, concise and correct

Write clearly

Clarity is king. Regardless of anything else — whether your punctuation is consistent, your word count is economical and your grammar is correct — if the meaning isn’t clear, your writing is not doing its job. Clear meaning forgives many editorial sins.

Write with consistency

Every page, paragraph and sentence on the Hope College website should use the style outlined in this guide. Our authors and editors work in every part of the college, and we all write with a unified style that reflects Hope College well. However, in those very rare cases when consistency and clarity are in conflict, clarity wins every time.

Write concisely

Never use two sentences when one will do. Cut unnecessary words. Be ruthless.

Write correctly

… but don’t get too hung up on the technicalities. Knowing all the rules of grammar won’t make you a good writer, and a flawless sentence may not connect with your audience or achieve your goals. Instead, focus on meeting the needs of your audience.

Resources

Except for the conventions included in this Web Style Guide, Hope College follows The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guidelines for spelling, punctuation, grammar and style. Our in-house style always trumps AP. Additional guides that can help you write clearly and correctly are Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition and the Chicago Manual of Style.

When you’re unsure about the best way to communicate something online, contact the staff at Public Affairs and Marketing.

Web Content Questions

• Read More

  Josh BishopView Josh Bishop's Profile

  Public Affairs and MarketingWeb Content Manager

  Work616.395.7066

  bishopj@hope.edu

  Anderson-Werkman Financial Center Suite 110 100 East 8th Street Holland, MI 49423

General Inquiries

Public Affairs and Marketing
marketing@hope.edu
x7860