Style guide

Capitals

Many people writing content tend to over-capitalise words to make them sound more important. This makes it difficult for some readers, who find it easier to read lower case letters.

As writers, we do not want people to read. We want people to recognise the ‘shape’ of the word and understand. It’s a lot faster. Capital letters are reputed to be 13 to 18% harder for users to read. So we try to avoid them.GOV.UK content design guide

Never write sentences in block capitals - they are too difficult to read, do not work with spell-check and are the written equivalent of shouting.

Headings

Always write headings in lower case (after the initial capital letter). The only exception to this is if there is a name within the heading. When referring to the UK Government, it needs a capital letter but terms like “local government” do not.

Job titles and organisations

Job titles should be given initial capitals, for instance Chief Executive.

Names of organisations, departments or buildings – such as West Northamptonshire Council – should be given initial capitals but subsequent references which don’t use the full name should not, “the council” for example.

Abbreviations and acronyms

Abbreviations and acronyms should be spelled out in full when used for the first time on a page, with the acronym in brackets. 

All subsequent references can use the acronym alone.

Seasons and festivals

Use lower case for spring, summer, autumn and winter but religious festivals such as Diwali, Easter and Christmas should be given initial capitals.

Last updated 23 July 2025