Instead of using the term unilateral use the term one-sided, one-way instead
Grammar and formatting
This covers grammar and formatting for our content.
We also have a list of standard terms – to keep language consistent across all platforms and projects.
These rules follow the guidelines from the Plain English Campaign and the Government Digital Services style guide. They are also based on readability and accessibility tests.
If you'd like to know more about how this guide was put together, or have questions about writing for Smart, please get in touch with the UX Content team.
[Search and list of Glossary here]
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Instead of using the term unoccupied use the term empty instead
Instead of using the term until such time use the term until instead
Unusual words and difficult words, including idioms and jargon, need to have definitions, so users know what they mean. An unusual word is one that’s not used in everyday conversation,
The first time an unusual word or phrase is used we should write an inline definition.
If the word or phrase has multiple meanings in the same page, then we should write an inline definition each time there is a new meaning.
This is an accessibility guideline, meeting Success Criterion 3.1.3 Unusual Words, level AAA.
The former is a noun and the latter is an adverb. For example: Your up-to-date statement is kept up to date.
For any online content (on the platforms, in emails, on websites), avoid URLs – link with some descriptive anchor text (Read about the annual allowance on the Pension Wise website, not www.pensionwise.gov.uk). The exception to this is PDFs, where you need to write the URL out.
When you do need to write a URL out, always use www. at the beginning. Don't use title case in URLs (www.smartpension.co.uk, not www.SmartPension.co.uk), as this makes them harder to read.
Whenever we hyperlink text, there must be a description of what the link is or where it goes. The simplest way to do this is to describe the purpose of the link in the hyperlinked text or using the page title. We can also use icons (pdf icon describes the type of document), and alt text.
For example, visit our support site to find out how to sign in on our How do I sign in article.
On the platform, we will use aria tags, due to space limitations.
This is an accessibility guideline, meeting Success Criterion 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only), level AAA.
All one word, not 'user name'. Some usernames are email addresses, but not all.
Instead of using the term utilisation use the term use instead
Instead of using the term utilise use the term use instead
Instead of using the term variation use the term change instead
For video-only content, like silent movies, silent demos and animations, there needs to be a text description that describes what’s happening on screen.
The aim is to create the same experience with your text as you get from the video.
This is an accessibility requirement, meeting Success Criterion 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded), level A.
For videos that have dialogue, there needs to be accurate and complete captions. These can be always on (open captions) or hideable (closed captions).
Using YouTube’s automatic captions isn’t enough as the accuracy can’t be guaranteed.
This is an accessibility requirement, meeting Success Criterion 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded), level A.
If the video is a live webcast or broadcast, we can use real-time text translation in captions, such as on YouTube.
This is an accessibility requirement, meeting Success Criterion 1.2.4 Captions (Live), level AA.
Videos also need to have a specific audio track that includes audio descriptions. Users must be able to select whether to use this audio track or not. You can do this by having a separate video that includes only the audio description soundtrack.
Live videos do not need audio descriptions.
This is an accessibility requirement, meeting Success Criterion 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded), level AA.
Instead of using the term virtually use the term almost (or edit out) instead
Instead of using the term visualise use the term see, predict instead
Instead of using the term ways and means use the term ways instead
Instead of using the term we have pleasure in use the term we are glad to instead
One word, no hyphen in the UK and Australia. Hyphenated (well-being) in the US and the rest of the world.
Instead of using the term whatsoever use the term whatever, what, any instead
Instead of using the term whensoever use the term when instead
Instead of using the term whereas use the term but instead
Instead of using the term whether or not use the term whether instead
Sentence case, no hyphen, two separate words. For example, "we are selling white label partnerships".
Sentence case. Not a proper noun. No hyphen. For example, "check your wifi connection"
Not capitalised. For example, "If you make a will you can also make sure you don’t pay more Inheritance Tax than you need to".
Instead of using the term with a view to use the term to, so that instead
Instead of using the term with effect from use the term from instead
Instead of using the term with reference to use the term about instead
Instead of using the term with regard to use the term about, for instead
Instead of using the term with respect to use the term about, for instead
Instead of using the term with the minimum of delay use the term quickly (or say when) instead
Instead of using the term you are requested use the term please instead
Instead of using the term your attention is drawn use the term please see, please note instead
Don't use zone use the term use area or region.