This section covers a few basics that all content creators should know.

General

Serial Comma (or Oxford Comma)

Use a serial comma. We differ from the AP Style Guide and do put a comma between the penultimate item in a list and a conjunction such as "and" (e.g., "teachers, students, and administrators" vs. "teachers, students and administrators").

Data (plural or singular?)

Treat data as a plural noun. The AP's guidance on data as plural or singular is mixed. We'll follow their guidance for the use of 'data' in academic writing: 'The word typically takes singular verbs and pronouns when writing for general audiences and in data journalism contexts: The data is sound. In scientific and academic writing, plural verbs and pronouns are preferred.'