Clauses contain at least one verb

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.

A clause can be:

• a main clause
• a subordinate clause – noun, adjectival or adverbial.

A main clause can usually stand alone as a sentence, but a subordinate clause can’t.

A main clause can stand alone as a sentence

Every sentence has at least one main clause. The main clause is also known as:

Use numerals with the percentage sign

Use the percentage sign next to a numeral in text. Don’t use a space between the number and the percentage sign.

Use decimals rather than fractions with the percentage sign.

Quantify an amount of money with a symbol and numeral

Write amounts using the relevant currency symbol followed by numerals. Don’t put a space between the currency symbol and the numerals.

For an amount less than $1, you can write it either as a whole number of cents or as a decimal value.

Follow Australian conventions for dates

There are Australian conventions for writing dates in words and numerals, and in numeric formats. These conventions include how to sequence elements of the date.

Use numerals and words for dates in most content. Use numeric dates when space is limited and in content types like tables.

Combine numerals and words for dates in body text

In Australia, the conventional sequence for dates is ‘day month year’. Use this sequence when expressing dates in numerals and words.

Use ‘chunks’ of digits to help people read telephone numbers

Break telephone numbers into shorter blocks of digits or ‘chunks’.

Telephone numbers are easier to read when their digits are chunked, rather than written in one large group.

Australian telephone numbers in general use have no more than 10 digits:

Use initial capitals for formal names and titles

Use initial capitals only for the formal names and titles of government entities and office holders. Use lower case for generic references.

These are rules for general content. There might be exceptions if you are writing specialist legal content using terms defined in legislation.

This page orders guidance for common government terms alphabetically.

Write official names with capitals

Check official place names and style them correctly. You can check the spelling of an official name using the Australian Place Names dataset.

The full names of mountains, rivers, valleys, bays, islands and other features always take initial capitals.

Check official place names and style them correctly

Using official Australian place names helps us all communicate more clearly. You can check the spelling of a place name using the Australian Place Names dataset.

If still unsure, contact the relevant state or territory naming authority. You can click on the government logos in the search results from the dataset. They will take you to the jurisdictional webpage.

Check official sources for country and place names

Some countries have several official names. Consult trusted references to decide which name to use, then use it consistently. Helpful references include:

Determiners are ‘articles’ that go with nouns

Determiners introduce a noun or a noun phrase. Determiners give more information about the noun they are introducing. They are also called ‘articles’.

They show users:

• which things you are referring to
• whether you are referring to specific or to generic things and ideas
• how many things there are.

Determiners include: