Special Writing Rules

We have some specific rules in City of Boston writing.

Headlines

For text used as a headline, use title case. Capitalize all words except minor words (ex: a, the, and, or) that are not the first word of the title. Use single quotes for quotation marks. For example:

• Neighborhood Development Joins the Federal Housing Program

• Mayor Names New Director for Animal Control

• ‘Prepare for the Storm,’ Mayor Says

Mayor

Always capitalize “Mayor” when referring to the Mayor of Boston. This is true whether or not you use the Mayor’s name. For example:

• Mayor Michelle Wu is coming to the meeting today.

• Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, is coming to the meeting today.

• The Mayor is coming to the meeting today.

If you are talking about “mayors” in general, you do not need to capitalize the word. For example:

• Mayor Michelle Wu will be among the mayors who will visit the White House this week.

• Climate change is a big concern for mayors in many major cities along the coast.

City Council

Always capitalize “City Council” when referring to the Boston City Council. This is true whether or not you use “Boston” before “City Council.” For example:

• The Boston City Council will make a decision on the ordinance today.

• The City Council will make a decision on the ordinance today.

If you are talking about “city councils” in general, you do not need to capitalize the words. For example:

• In many major cities, city councils help enact laws.

City

Always capitalize “City” when referring to the City of Boston. For example:

• The City is ready for First Night.

• This time of year, students from around the world come to the City to attend college.

If you are talking about “cities” in general, you do not need to capitalize the word. For example:

• Boston is one of the major cities on the East Coast.

• Climate change is a big concern for cities across the United States.

Use The 'Oxford' Comma

Always use the “oxford” comma. If you use a serial list in your writing, please remember to include a comma before “and” at the end of the sentence. For example:

• Boston’s professional sports teams include the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics.

Phone Numbers

Always use the click-to-call friendly format for phone numbers. Remember to use dashes so that the numbers are recognized on mobile devices. For example:

• Please use 617-353-4500, instead of [phone], or 617.635.4500.

Have feedback for this page? Let us know!