User:Lembley/guide/grammar

Grammar and Punctuation
Consistency within an article. Style should be consistent throughout the article. Contributors should follow the original style of an article wherever possible.

Complete, concise sentences. Use short, complete sentences (containing both subject and verb). The command form (which has an implied subject) is considered a complete sentence.

Neutral tone. Writing should be factual and avoid stereotypes, judgments, and gender bias. However, quotes should not be changed to meet this guideline.

Not using “he or she.” Avoid using “he or she” and “his or her” (for example, “He or she can use the index to find his or her ancestor’s record quickly”). Often, the problem can be solved by rewriting the sentence. Do not use the plural pronoun “they” to replace “he or she.”

Avoiding unclear “antecedents.” A pronoun represents to the last noun used before the pronoun. For clarity, pronouns should be used correctly. If needed, rewrite the sentence or repeat the noun.

Avoiding “we” and “I.” Contributors should not use “we” or “I” to refer to themselves and others in the wiki community.

Ampersand (&amp;). Do not replace the word “and” with an ampersand (&amp;) unless the ampersand is part of an official name.

Accepted authority. When there is uncertainty about grammar, follow an accepted authority such as the Chicago Manual of Style.

Using the Discussion page. If differing opinions about a grammar issue cannot be resolved by referring to an accepted authority, the opinions should be added to the article’s Discussion page for input from the wiki community.