These examples demonstrate some key principles of writing for the web.
Use Active Voice Instead of Passive Voice
Write Like This
The Board of Trustees approved the rate change.
Don't Write Like This
The rate change was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Write Like This
All faculty and staff are required to take sexual harassment training every two years.
Don't Write Like This
Sexual harassment training must be taken by all faculty and staff every two years.
Choose Shorter and Simpler Words When You Can
Write Like This
We help colleges buy products and services.
Don't Write Like This
We assist colleges in purchasing goods and services.
Focus on the User and Write With a Concise, Friendly Tone
Students don't care what division student services is housed under, they care how student services can help them.
Write Like This
Our goal is to help all of our students achieve their educational dreams. We provide advocacy and support for the programs and tools students need to succeed. This includes programs like CalWORKs and financial aid.
Don't Write Like This
The goal of the Student Services unit, housed under the division of Education and Technology at the District Office, is to ensure that all students have equal access to, and support in college courses needed to achieve their educational objectives. The district office provides advocacy and leadership to the college's student support services programs, with coordination provided for CalWORKs and Financial Aid specifically, that facilitate and demonstrate the achievement of stated student learning outcomes.
Focus on the User and Write With a Concise, Collaborative Tone
Write Like This
We strive to buy the best products and services for our colleges and provide sellers with excellent customer service. We'd love to hear what products and services you offer, especially if you are a small business or a business owned by a minority or women.
Don't Write Like This
The LRCCD Purchasing Department strives to provide the highest level of professional, ethical customer service to internal and external customers while procuring quality goods and services for the best value within a reasonable time period and in compliance with state, local and district regulations. As a centralized operation within General Services, the Purchasing Department supports all procurement activities for the following campus sites and their affiliated outreach centers. Whether you are a large organization or a small business, we would like to hear from you and learn of your products or services. Our goal is to find responsible suppliers of quality products at the best price. We encourage all vendors – particularly small, minority and women-owned businesses – to participate in our purchasing process.