K-State Research and Extension Style Guide

What is a style guide?

A style guide is a set of standards intended to clarify written or electronic communication. It helps ensure consistency within organizational communications by providing standards for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, terminology, and usage. Here is Kansas State University's Style Guide.

4-H

Units within K-State Research and Extension produce a variety of materials — some printed, some electronic. Whatever the medium, organizational messages must be professional and consistent. The style guide provides answers to common questions that arise in writing, recording, editing, producing, or publishing information or educational materials intended for the general public. It is for the use of scientists, agents, specialists, office professionals, communicators, administrators, web authors, and others who represent the organization. When writing for a specific scientific journal or other scholarly publication, follow the journal’s style guide. Also note, some elements of this style guide have been incorporated into Grammarly, which is now available to all of K-State Research and Extension.
Sections include:
- style and usage guidelines
- inclusive language
- writing help
- copyright information
Entries are arranged alphabetically, and each covers one style issue. Some extended entries provide examples.

The guide highlights common questions of specific interest in written or electronic material from K-State Research and Extension, the College of Agriculture, and Kansas State University. Other suggested references include a current dictionary, subject-matter references, and other style or usage guides. The online reference is intended to be updated regularly.