Writing for the Web:
Guidelines for MIT Libraries

Web Advisory Group > Writing for the Web > Writing Guidelines

Try fragments

Space is always at a premium.

• Complete sentences are not always necessary.
• Distinguish between:
  
  • fragments - coherent phrases
    
  • telegraphic writing - leaving out words like "a" and "the"
• Telegraphic writing may be OK in navigation, but avoid it in text. It doesn't save time because the user has to mentally put the little words back in.

Fragments - yes:

More fun in the great outdoors! The thrill of adventure. The beauty of nature. The exhilaration of your favorite outdoor sports. llbean.com

Telegraphic writing - no:

User gets receipt in e-mail message when pays with credit card.

 

 

 Writing Guidelines
 useful headings |  headings2 |  first few words |  active voice
 set the context |  use lists |  imperatives |  parallelisms
 simpler words |  fragments |  descriptive links |  combine guidelines

 

  hennig@mit.edu
29 July 99