Ask the Editor

Last Seven Days

Answer

In the U.S., since our standard style for U.S. is to use periods (except in headlines, where it's US). And agreed, definitely don't write out United States, for the reason you note.


Question on Sept. 21, 2023

should multi-market have a hyphen

Answer

No, under the guidance in this entry:

multi-  The rules in prefixes apply, but in general, no hyphen.


Answer

We don't capitalize titles after names, so none of these would be capitalized in the construction you're asking about. If in your house style you capitalize titles after names, then you'd need to decide whether that applies to -elect as well. For reference, below is our -elect entry. And here is the titles entry


-elect 


Always hyphenate and lowercase: President-elect Joe Biden. For a newly elected candidate, the term can be used as soon as the race is called. After a name or standing alone: the president-elect or Biden, the president-elect. Also: Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Gov.-elect Sue Ahmad, Sen.-elect D’Shawn Washington, Attorney General-elect Melissa Rubin, etc.


Answer

Yes. Option 1 is correct. Here's the guidance from the numerals entry:

SEQUENTIAL DESIGNATIONS: Generally use figures, but spell out ordinal numbers ninth and under. Capitalize the first letter for a single designation: Act 3, Exit 2, Game 3, Phase 1, Room 6, Size 12, Stage 3, Category 4, Type 2. Use lowercase for plurals: sizes 6 and 8, exits 4 and 5, acts 1 and 2, verses 2 and 9. It's Verse 1 but the first verse; Game 4 but the fourth game.


Answer

As you note, Webster's New World College Dictionary prefers coldblooded; Merriam-Webster prefers cold-blooded. Since WNWCD is the Stylebook's primary dictionary, we go with coldblooded (much as I dislike it). If you prefer to use the hyphen, know that you are in good company with the other dictionary.

Answer

Yes, that comma is necessary.


Answer

Yes, that's correct.

Answer

Sorry, but we don't cover that point.

Answer

1. Yes.
2. Webster's New World College Dictionary and Merriam-Webster both list Nobelist as a term for a Nobel winner. We wouldn't recommend it, though.
3. Yes.

Answer

No hyphen in that use, since it's after the noun:

Hyphenate well- combinations before a noun, but not after: a well-known judge, but the judge is well known.


Question from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 19, 2023

Trunk or treat OR trunk-or-treat ?

Answer

With the hyphens.


Answer

Technically those are the start of a sentence  – but not the start of this entire sentence. I'd use the figures after a colon or semicolon rather than spelling them out. We don't have a rule that addresses this specific question. But that's what I'd do.

Answer

Do you have to use the direct quotation? If the direct quotation is really necessary, I'd use the phonetic spellings. We don't have specific guidance on this, but it seems the only logical way to handle it other than not quoting directly (which is the best solution). Bear in mind that some, possibly even many, readers won't understand what it means no matter how you present it. Much better to paraphrase if possible. 

Answer

We don't use italics in any titles. Just capitalization is fine.
 

Answer

I've deleted the older Ask the Editor response. Pre-deployment is preferred.

Answer

Do you, or does someone you love, need help?

(But this implies you can seek help only for people you love. Presumably you can also seek help for people you hate, like, feel indifferent about or perhaps don't even know.)

Do you need help, or do you know of someone who does?

Answer

I vote with you.

Answer

We are using the term Detroit Three. I've deleted the outdated answer in Ask the Editor. Thanks for noting it.

Answer

Yes, that's right.

Answer

The fourth annual, but the 10th annual, 11th, etc. For headlines, if you have space, write out fourth. If not, 4th is fine.

Question from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 15, 2023

adult-child caregiver or adult child caregiver?

Answer

I'm not sure what it means ...

Answer

Yes, in our style it's acceptable on all references.

Answer

That has been our style for years. I don't know why the previous editors decided on it. You certainly can use advisor if you prefer.

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