Editor’s Note is a new monthly newsletter for campus communicators. The goal is to offer a brief roundup of style guide updates alongside relevant stories, news, fun quizzes, and other topics. Have an idea for a fun feature or story? Want to share an editing “win”? Please email me at bcollin8@nd.edu! Sign up for the email list using the form found here.
Meet Brittany
I’m Brittany Kaufman, the editor/proofer in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications. I’ve been at Notre Dame for 10 years—I started in Media Relations and moved to my current role in 2018, although I’ve been wielding a red pen since 2006. I spent time in journalism, PR, and magazines after graduating with a degree in linguistics from Purdue University. I live in South Bend with my husband, our toddler, and our two dogs.
Pop quiz!
What is the correct meaning of bimonthly? The correct answer is: every other month, but because the term has come to be used for both this meaning and "twice per month," you may want to consider using clearer language if you need to communicate that something is happening twice a month.
What we’re reading
“‘Cakewalk,’ ‘No Can Do,’ and Other Harmful Language We Must Stop Using”
NBCU Academy
“Gen Z came to ‘slay.’ Their bosses don’t know what that means.”
The Washington Post
Latest Style Guide updates
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BIPOC
This abbreviation for Black, Indigenous, and people of color is best used only in direct quotes, since many readers may not know what it means. When it is used, spell it out somewhere in the story. -
data
In most writing, the word data typically takes a plural verb. In more informal writing for general audiences, it can take a singular verb. -
commas
Never include a comma before an ampersand: Notre Dame Program on Church, State & Society.
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