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Editorial style guide: I

Editorial guidance for terms beginning with 'I'. Use the style guide to help make your content clear, accessible, and consistent with the rest of the website.

A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Read about why we need an editorial style guide.

i.e.

Use ‘in other words’.

Inclusive language

It is vital that all content on the website is as inclusive as possible.

Make sure the language you choose doesn't constitute any form of harassment or discrimination, particularly in relation to the nine protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics are:

  • age
  • disability
  • gender reassignment
  • marriage and civil partnerships
  • pregnancy and maternity
  • race
  • religion and belief
  • sex
  • sexual orientation

Writing about disability

Use language that conveys a positive message rather than emphasises impairment or limitations.

Use terms like:

  • students with disabilities
  • wheelchair user or person who uses a wheelchair
  • person with epilepsy
  • learning disability
  • mental health condition
  • health condition
  • physical impairment
  • seizure

Don't use terms like 'the disabled' or 'handicapped', as they're old-fashioned and have negative connotations. Also avoid:

  • afflicted by or victim of
  • mentally handicapped
  • able-bodied
  • mental patient
  • fits, spells, or attacks

Most people with disabilities are, however, comfortable with words and phrases that are used to describe daily living. People with visual impairments can be pleased (or not) 'to see you'; people who use wheelchairs can 'go for a walk' around our campus.

Essentially, don't patronise or define people by their impairment, but don't be over-sensitive.

For more guidance on appropriate language, read this guide from the Office for Disability Issues.

Italics

Only use italics for book, journal and newspaper titles, for example, 'The Guardian'.

Its or it’s

'Its' is a possessive pronoun ('Every dog will have its day'). 'It’s' is a contraction of 'it is' ('It’s' time to go home).

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