Style Guide

V

versus

  • Spell out in running text: The senate discussed a proposal to return to hard-copy student evaluations versus posting them online. The discussion centered on freedom of expression versus invasion of privacy.
  • In short expressions, it is permissible to use vs. as an abbreviation: army vs. navy.
  • In court cases, use the abbreviation v.: Marbury v. Madison.

 videocassette

  • Also videodisc, videotape (n. and v.), but video recorder (two words).

 videoconferencing

  • One word; no hyphen.
  • Do not use teleconferencing.

 vis-à-vis

  • With hyphens and accent mark on the ‘a.’

 visiting professors

  • See distinguished visiting professors.