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Content style guide

Numbers

We differ from AP Style on numbers in order to meet the needs of users on the web and on mobile.

Use numerals

We use numerals or figures for all numbers, including 1 to 10. It’s easier on the web and on mobile for scanning, and helpful to low-literacy readers and people whose first language isn’t English.

Exceptions

  • Spell out “one” when it’s used by itself in a sentence, or in expressions like one-to-one, one-on-one, and one-time.
  • Spell out ordinals up to tenth (first, second, third, etc.). Then use the style: 11th, 12th, etc.
  • When used as part of a series or a range, always default to numerals.

Like this

You must meet at least one of these eligibility requirements.

Get help completing your application, including one-on-one consultation.

You may qualify for one-time dental care if you’re in Class II and you meet these requirements.

All runners-up from 5th to 11th place will receive an honorable mention.

Choose from 1 of 5 VA-backed loan options.

Not this

You must meet at least 1 of these eligibility requirements.

Get help completing your application, including 1-on-1 consultation.

You may qualify for 1-time dental care if you’re in Class II and you meet these requirements.

All runners-up from fifth to 11th place will receive an honorable mention.

Choose from one of 5 VA-backed loan options.

Percentages

Use numerals and % symbol, with no space between the number and %. This style follows the practice for scientific and technical writing, and differs from 18F.

We use this approach because it’s easier to scan, and we have a lot of content discussing disability ratings. Disability ratings fall into the scientific and technical category of writing.

Like this

The monthly benefit amounts for a single Veteran with no children and a disability rating of 10% to 100% are:

  • 10% disability rating: —

  • 20% disability rating: —

Or

If you have a 50% disability and a 30% disability, the combined disability rating is 65%.

Not this

The monthly benefit amounts for a single Veteran with no children and a disability rating of 10 percent to 100 percent are:

  • 10 percent disability rating: —

  • 20 percent disability rating: —

Or

If you have a 50 percent disability and a 30 percent disability, the combined disability rating is 65 percent.

Last updated: Aug 18, 2022