For times that fall on the hour , omit the colon and zeroes ( except for noon and midnight , which should be written as words ).
• The meeting begins at 9 AM sharp . Lunch is scheduled for noon . Time ranges should be indicated using AM or PM for both the start and end times , with the word " to " between them .
• Incorrect : The event will take place from 11 to 11:30 AM .
• Incorrect : The event will take place from 11 AM - 11:30 AM .
• Correct : The event will take place from 11 AM to 11:30 AM .
GRAMMAR
IT ’ S VS . ITS
Be mindful of the difference between it ’ s and its . With an apostrophe , it ’ s always means " it is ". Without an apostrophe , the word indicates possession .
• It ’ s raining . ( It is raining .)
• Its features are very distinguished . ( The features belonging to it are very distinguished .)
THEY ’ RE , THEIR , AND THEIR
Be mindful of the difference between they ’ re , their , and there . They ’ re always means " they are ", their indicates possession , and there indicates a location or position .
• They ’ re going to join us . ( They are going to join us .)
• Their teeth are loose . ( The teeth belonging to them are loose .)
• Look at those puppies over there ! ( Look at the puppies in that location .)
YOU ’ RE VS . YOUR
Be mindful of the difference between you ’ re and your . With an apostrophe , you ’ re always means " you are ", while your indicates possession .
• You ’ re almost ready . ( You are almost ready .)
• Your nose is bleeding . ( The nose belonging to you is bleeding .)
NUMBERS AND NUMERALS
Spell out numbers one through nine , and use digits for numbers 10 and higher .
• I have three apples .
• I have 16 apples .
Spell out a number when it is the first word in a sentence , unless it refers to a year .
• Twenty apples are required for this recipe .
• 1988 was a good year for growing apples .
Numbers larger than 999,999 are designated by both a digit and a word .
• I have 7.5 billion apples .
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