The Editorial Style Guide is intended to help writers and editors communicate clearly and consistently about Boston University in print and electronic media. The guide recommends ways to present information about the University and its faculty, departments, research centers, and events, and includes some grammar and punctuation tips. It addresses the most common questions that arise at BU about titles and tricky wording, but it is not a comprehensive grammar manual or dictionary. Editorial Services will continue to update the guide as new words enter the mainstream and various issues of usage and style evolve.

For more detail on capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviation, please see The Chicago Manual of Style, the University’s standard reference. For spelling, word division, and helpful usage notes, refer to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. You can also view a list of common proofreaders’ marks.

We are glad to answer your questions and welcome your feedback at the University Editor’s office at 617-358-2137 or gdubois@bu.edu.

In this Style Guide

• Boston University Terminology and Usage
• Punctuation Rules

Resources

• Common proofreaders’ marks
• Boston University School and College Abbreviations
• Abbreviations of US states