telephone numbers
See Numbers, telephone numbers.
temperatures
Use figures for all except zero.
Correct: The day’s low was minus 9. The day’s low was 9 below zero.
Incorrect: The day’s low was -9. Temperatures get higher or lower, not warmer or cooler.
that (conjunction)
Use the conjunction that to introduce a dependent clause if the sentence sounds or looks awkward without it. The president said he had signed the bill. The president said Monday that he had signed the bill.
- That usually is necessary after some verbs, including advocate, assert, contend, declare, estimate, make clear, point out, propose, and state.
- That is required before subordinate clauses beginning with conjunctions such as after, although, because, before, in addition to, until, and while Haldeman said that after he learned of Nixon’s intention to resign, he sought pardons for all connected with Watergate.
- When in doubt, include that. Omission can hurt; inclusion never does.
that, which (pronouns)
Use that and which in referring to inanimate objects and to animals without a name.
- Use that for essential clauses, important to the meaning of a sentence, and without commas: I remember the day that we met.
- Use which for nonessential clauses, where the pronoun is less necessary, and use commas: The team, which finished last a year ago, is in first place.
- Tip: If you can drop the clause and not lose the meaning of the sentence, use which; otherwise, use that.
Also, see who, whom, and clauses; essential, nonessential.
theater
Theatre is used as the correct spelling for Puget Sound’s theatre department and for the Norton Clapp Theatre. Reference to theater, in general, or to specific productions should be spelled theater. For proper nouns, used the official spelling given to that particular place or production. The theatre department at Puget Sound stages two productions each year. These productions are given in the Norton Clapp Theatre. We went to the theater yesterday.
- a.m., p.m.
See a.m., p.m. - midnight
See midnight. - noon
See noon. - time zones
The abbreviations EST, CDT, PST are acceptable on first reference. Do not use periods and do not use commas between time and time zone: noon EST, 9 a.m. PST.
Also, see Numbers, time.
- courtesy titles
Generally do not use the courtesy titles; Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs., except in direct quotations, or where needed to distinguish among people of the same last name. - composition titles
See Capitalization, compositions. - lecture or speech titles
See lectures, speeches. - occupational titles
Uppercase when preceding a name, lowercase when following a name or when standing alone: Attendees at the meeting included President Ron Thomas. Ron Thomas, president, was at the meeting. The president will be at the meeting. - religious titles
See religious titles. - song titles
See music.
Also, see Capitalization, titles.
trademark
See brand name.
trustee
See board of directors, board of trustees.