About PATH style
In publishing, style refers to a set of conventions for presenting information and covers matters such as word usage, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, typography, and formatting.
Many organizations, including PATH, develop their own style guides to supplement widely used manuals. Having an organization or house style helps staff members produce clear and effective communications for external distribution. It also helps the organization present a consistent, professional image.
This is not a guide to the basic rules of punctuation and grammar, which can be found in standard reference books. This guide focuses on stylistic features that are unique to PATH, commonly occur at PATH, or often cause confusion. It also describes areas in which PATH style differs from the reference manuals on which it is based; when there is a discrepancy, PATH style supersedes.
PATH uses The Chicago Manual of Style as our main style reference on general questions of punctuation, grammar, and usage. For the spelling of most words, Webster’s dictionary is our preferred source (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, or https://www.merriam-webster.com/). Dorland’s and Stedman’s medical dictionaries can be useful for terms not found in Webster’s dictionary. The American Medical Association’s AMA Manual of Style: A Guide for Authors and Editors and the Council of Science Editors’ Scientific Style and Format are good references for technical issues.
Every document produced by PATH has its own purpose and audience. The guidelines described on these pages should be followed as often as possible but not in violation of good judgment and common sense.