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Writing Guidelines




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


[Web Advisory Group]





Writing for the Web:
Guidelines for MIT Libraries

Try fragments

Space is always at a premium.

  • Complete sentences are not always necessary.
  • Distinguish between:
    • fragments - coherent phrases
    • telegraphic writing - leaving out words like "a" and "the"
  • Telegraphic writing may be OK in navigation, but avoid it in text. It doesn't save time because the user has to mentally put the little words back in.
Fragments - yes:

More fun in the great outdoors! The thrill of adventure. The beauty of nature. The exhilaration of your favorite outdoor sports.

llbean.com

Telegraphic writing - no:

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  hennig@mit.edu