This section provides guidelines for referring to and writing about specific people in your content, as well as addressing people in letters and correspondence.
For more on writing about people in general and in a way that’s compassionate, inclusive and respectful, see the section on Inclusive language.
Capitalization of job titles and departments
Capitalize occupational titles and departments related to a specific person.
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Andrea Reed
Shari Dworkin, Director of Screening
Avoid capitalizing generic titles of roles.
He was an analyst in the Research and Innovation team.
However, specific roles, such as those advertised in a job description, are capitalized.
The Manager, Board and Government Relations, will perform a range of functions.
Credentials and titles
- Use abbreviations, no periods: MD, RN, PhD, MBBS, BA, BSc, BComm, Peng
- Use “Dr.” for healthcare professionals with doctorates.
- For non-healthcare professionals with doctorates, adopt a case-by-case approach by respecting the preference of how people with doctorates want to use the title.
Personal titles (Mr., Ms., Mx.)
Avoid using personal titles (honorifics) when full names are listed. Use a person’s first and last name on first reference, and only their last name in subsequent mentions. Honorifics like Mr., Ms., and Mx. should only be used in rare cases, and only when a person’s gender identity has been explicitly confirmed. If personal titles are used, for subsequent mentions, use the appropriate honorific followed by the last name.
Pronouns
When referring to another person in writing, verify their personal pronouns or default to the singular pronoun “they/them.” These pronouns – they, them, their – are inclusive when writing about groups, and usage is evolving to become a standard for a third-person, gender-neutral pronoun.
