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Use upper case for ranks and titles when written in conjunction with a name, but lower case when on their own.

  • Queen Elizabeth was set to attend next week's reception.
  • The queen resides in Buckingham Palace only part of the year.

Office holders when referred to merely by their office, not by their name, are lower case. Similarly, if you want to describe the office rather than the individual, use lower case.

  • The prime minister met his wife while at Otago.
  • In this country, the prime minister is elected by permanent residents and citizens over age 18.
  • The next vice-chancellor is yet to be determined.

About the Writing Style Guide

This guide is designed to help ensure writing style – whether for internal or external audiences, written for print or online – is consistent and maintains a professional standard across the University. It is not designed for academic writing.

Feedback

Please send any feedback – including reports of errors or requests for changes – to writing.style@otago.ac.nz

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