Word list

If the term you're looking for isn't on this page, then consult the resources on our Other editorial resources page.

Closed compounds and prefixes

In general, use the closed form of compound words and words with prefixes; that is, write them without a space or a hyphen. We've included some common examples of the closed form in the word list, such as dataset, metadata, and predefined, as well as our exceptions for well-established terms that commonly use a hyphen or a space, such as multi-region and style sheet. Additionally, in cases where the noun, verb, and adjective versions of a word are treated differently, we explicitly note the differences.

As always, it's fine to deviate from this guidance if that serves your readers better. For example, if you determine that the hyphenated version of a term in your domain is more appropriate for your readers, it's fine to use that instead. We acknowledge that sometimes there are competing forms of the same word in wide use, especially as new terms emerge, and you might have good reasons for deviating from our guidance. Use the same term consistently throughout your document.

Word list

Some word list entries include guidance to avoid or don't use a term. Apply this guidance as follows:

Avoid: A recommendation to avoid using the term when possible. The term might be ambiguous or obscure, so we provide alternative term suggestions or suggest that you use a more specific term. However, you can use the term if needed.
Don't use: In all cases, we prefer to not use the term. The term might be particularly ambiguous or it might have an offensive or non-inclusive association. If such a term appears in code, we recommend that you replace or write around the term.

Numbers and Symbols

+: OK to use + with numbers in text, such as customer records with 300+ demographic attributes, except in formal contexts.
+1's, +1'ing, +1'ed
& (ampersand): Don't use & instead of and in headings, text, navigation, or tables of contents; however, it's OK to use & when referencing UI elements that use &, or in table headings and diagram labels where space constraints require abbreviation. And of course, it's fine to use & for technical purposes in code. For more information, see Headings and titles.
2-Step Verification: When referring to Google's 2-Step Verification, use initial caps. When referring to generic 2-step verification, use lowercase.
3D; not 3-D

A

a and an: Use a when the next word starts with a consonant sound, regardless of what letter it starts with. For more information, see Articles (a, an, the).
A/B testing
abnormal: Don't use to refer to a person. OK to use to refer to a condition of a computer system.
abort: Avoid in general usage. Instead, use words like stop, exit, cancel, or end. In Linux, abort refers to a type of signal that terminates an abnormal process.
about versus on: When a cross-reference includes information that describes what the cross-reference links to, use about instead of on.; Recommended: For more information about indexes, see Managing indexes.; Not recommended: For more information on indexes, see Managing indexes.
above: Don't use for a range of version numbers. Instead, use later.; Don't use to refer to a position in a document. Instead, use earlier or preceding.; Don't use to refer to a position in the UI. Instead, write instructions that avoid directional language. For more information, see Writing accessible documentation.
access (verb): Avoid when you can. Instead, use friendlier words like see, edit, find, use, or view.
access token
account name: Don't use. Instead, use username.
actionable: Avoid unless it's the clearest and simplest phrasing for your audience. Instead of using it, leave it out or replace it with a phrase like that you can act on or useful. Don't use it in the legal sense without consulting a lawyer.
action bar: In Android documentation, don't use. Instead, use app bar.
ad tech: Write out on first mention: advertising technology (ad tech). Don't use adtech or ad-tech.
add-in; not addin
add-on; not addon
address bar: Use to refer to the URL bar or the combined URL bar and search box in a browser. Don't use omnibox.
ad hoc: Okay to use in database and analytics contexts to mean "free-form" or "user-written" (for example, ad hoc queries or an ad hoc chart). Don't hyphenate or italicize the term. For other contexts, try to find a more specific English equivalent.
admin: Write out administrator. Only use admin in Android documentation or if it's the name of a UI label or other element.
administrator: In Android documentation, don't use. Instead, use admin.
advertised route priority: Okay to also use base advertised route priority when discussing region-to-region costs.; Do not shorten or use variations of these terms.
agnostic: Don't use. Instead, use a precise term like platform-independent.
aka: Don't use. Instead, write out also known as, or present an alternative term using parentheses or the word or. You can also write out a definition.; Recommended: Geographic data, also known as geospatial data, is ...; Recommended: Geographic data (geospatial data) is ...; Recommended: Geographic data, or geospatial data, is ...
all apps screen
allowlist (verb), allowlisted, allowlisting: Don't use as a verb. Instead, rewrite to improve clarity.; OK to use allowlist as a noun.; For more information, see blacklist.
allows you to: Don't use. Instead, use lets you. For more information, see enable.
alpha: Lowercase except when part of a product name.; Recommended: PRODUCT_NAME Alpha; Recommended: PRODUCT_NAME is currently in alpha.
America, American: Use only to refer to the Americas or the American continent. Don't use to refer to the United States. Instead, use a more precise term like the US or the United States, and people in the US. For more information, see US.
among: See between versus among.
AM, PM: To be consistent with Material Design, use all caps, no periods, and a space before.; Recommended: 9:00 AM; Recommended: 10:30 PM
and/or: Sometimes and/or is the clearest and most efficient way to express something. It's worth considering whether there's a good way to write around it, but it's not worth rewriting so that the text is harder to understand.
Android (never android)
Android-powered device; not Android device
and so on: Avoid using and so on whenever possible. For more information, see etc.
anti*: See Closed compounds and prefixes.
anti-pattern: Avoid. Instead, consider using a more specific and broadly understood term.; Especially avoid using Anti-patterns as a stand-alone heading.; Recommended: Avoid these five SQL errors.; Recommended: Avoid these five programming practices that make SQL queries inefficient.; Not recommended: Avoid these five SQL anti-patterns.
any time (noun), anytime (adverb): Recommended: You can change this setting at any time.; Recommended: Anytime you want a good video, you can watch YouTube.
API: Use API to refer to either a web API or a language-specific API. Don't use it when referring to a method or a class. For example, don't write This resource has one API to mean "This resource has one method."
API Console, APIs console, developer console, dev console, or Google API Console: Don't use. Instead, refer to the Google APIs Explorer or to the Google Cloud console. For more information, see console.
API Console key: In most contexts, use API key instead of API Console key. In Apps admin APIs, however, it's okay to use API Console key to distinguish from other API keys.
API key; not developer key or dev key
APIs; not API's
APIs Explorer; not API explorer or other variants
APK; not .apk
app: In general, use app instead of application when referring to programs for end users, especially in the context of mobile or web software. In some contexts, such as enterprise software, it's OK to use application to convey a sense of greater complexity. Use application in standard phrases such as application programming interface.
app bar: Formerly action bar.
appendix: Use the plural appendixes, not appendices.
application: See app.
argument (command-line context): For general usage, use option. Some command-line tools, such as the gcloud CLI, use argument. For details, see Documenting command-line syntax.
as: If you mean because, then use because instead of as. As is ambiguous; it can refer to the passage of time. Because refers to causation or the reason for something.
as of this writing: Avoid because this phrase is implied. The phrase can also prematurely disclose product or feature strategy or inappropriately imply that a product or feature might change.; See also currently and presently.; Recommended: BigQuery doesn't support that function.; Not recommended: As of this writing, BigQuery doesn't support that function.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
at scale; not at-scale
authentication and authorization: In general, use the word authenticated only to refer to users, and authorized only to refer to requests that are sent by a client app on behalf of an authenticated user. A user authenticates that they are who they say they are by entering their password (or giving some other proof of identity). The authenticated user then authorizes the client app to send an authorized request to the server on the user's behalf.; When you want to use a preposition with authenticate, use against.
authN, authZ: Don't use. Instead, use authentication or authorization.
auto*: See Closed compounds and prefixes.
autohealing; not auto-healing
auto mode VPC network; not auto mode network
autonomous system (AS)
autonomous system number (ASN)
autopopulate; not auto populate or auto-populate
autoscaling; not auto-scaling
autotagging; not auto-tagging
autoupdate: Don't use. Instead, use automatically update.
-aware: Avoid using as a compound modifier, as in healthcare-aware. OK to use when it is part of a product name, such as Identity-Aware Proxy.

B

backend; not back-end or back end

backoff (noun), back off (verb), back-off (adjective)

backup (noun), back up (verb), backup (adjective)

backward compatible; not backwards compatible

bar

Avoid when possible. For more information, see foo.

bare metal

base64

Except where it starts a sentence or heading, in which case it's init-capped; or where it's part of a name where it's init-capped. Generally not in code font. However, it is in code font if and only if it's a string literal or otherwise quoted from code.

baz

Avoid when possible. For more information, see foo.

below

Don't use for a range of version numbers. Instead, use earlier.

Don't use to refer to a position in a document. Instead, use later or following.

Don't use to refer to a position in the UI. Instead, write instructions that avoid directional language. For more information, see Writing accessible documentation.

It's OK to use below in set phrases such as below (the) average, below the mean, below zero.

best effort

Avoid where possible. Instead, use more specific wording. After providing a description, you can add a phrase like "sometimes referred to as best effort."

beta

Lowercase except when part of a product name.

Recommended: PRODUCT_NAME Beta

Recommended: PRODUCT_NAME is currently in beta.

between versus among

It's fine to use between when talking about more than two things; however, between isn't interchangeable with among.

In particular, use between when you're talking about two or more distinct things:

Recommended: JavaScript introduces dependencies between the DOM, the CSSOM, and JavaScript execution.

Use among when you're talking about things that are part of a group or things that aren't distinct:

Recommended: ... a conventional SQL database that can be shared among multiple apps.

More examples:

Recommended: Because screen dimensions vary widely among devices (for example, between phones and tablets, and even among different phones), you should configure the viewport so that your pages render correctly on many different devices.

Not recommended: Because screen dimensions vary widely between devices (for example, between phones and tablets, and even between different phones), you should configure the viewport so that your pages render correctly on many different devices.

Recommended: You can share services among multiple clients.

Not recommended: You can share services between multiple clients.

BGP

Write out on first mention: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).

big data

Lowercase. Hyphenate if necessary for clarity.

Recommended: MyPlatform is a powerful big-data platform.

Not recommended: MyPlatform is a powerful Big Data platform.

Not recommended: MyPlatform is a powerful big data platform.

big-endian

Use lowercase for both words. Hyphenate.

Recommended: The codebase currently assumes big-endian byte ordering.

Not recommended: The codebase currently assumes Big Endian byte ordering.

Not recommended: The codebase currently assumes Big-endian byte ordering.

Not recommended: The codebase currently assumes big endian byte ordering.

billing charges

Avoid using billing charges to mean charges that appear on a bill. Instead, use billed charges. Billing charges means the cost of creating the bill.

black-box

Avoid using black-box, blackbox, or black box to describe monitoring and testing. Consider using a more precise term for clarity.

For monitoring, use synthetic monitoring.
For testing, use opaque-box testing.

Black Friday

Avoid unless explicitly referring to an event in the US. Instead use peak scale event.

blackhat, black hat, black-hat

Don't use. Instead, use precise terms for the kind of violation or practice, such as illegal, unethical, or in violation of rules.

blackhole (verb), blackholed (adjective)

Don't use. Instead, use a more descriptive term or phrase, such as dropped without notification.

blacklist, black list, black-list

Don't use blacklist, whitelist, and graylist. Instead, use more precise terms that are appropriate for your domain.

For the noun blacklist, consider using a replacement such as denylist, excludelist, or blocklist.
For the noun whitelist, consider using a replacement such as allowlist, trustlist, or safelist.
For the noun graylist (greylist), consider using a replacement such as provisional list.

In all of these cases, consider that there might not actually be a list involved. When replacing problematic terms, be sure to be technically accurate for the specific context.

For the verb forms of these words, a simple word-for-word replacement is typically not the best solution. Instead, replace verbs such as blacklisted with phrases that accurately convey the relevant action. For example:

Recommended: To deny requests from an IP address, add it to the dos.yaml file.

Not recommended: To denylist an IP address, add it to the dos.yaml file.

Don't use: To blacklist an IP address, add it to the dos.yaml file.

If the command or code that you're documenting uses one of these words, then use these words only in direct reference to the code items (formatted as code), and make it clear what you're referring to.

Recommended: Add a user to the allowlist (whitelist) by entering the following:

whitelist
adduser EMAIL_ADDRESS

Not recommended: Add a user to the whitelist by entering the following:

whitelist adduser
EMAIL_ADDRESS

For more information, see the inclusive documentation page.

blacklisted, black listed, black-listed

See blacklist.

blacklisting, black listing, black-listing

Don't use. See blacklist.

blast radius

Don't use. Instead, use a more precise term like affected area or spatial impact.

blind

Avoid using blind to or blind eye to. Instead, use more precise terms like ignore, unaware of, disregard, avoid, or reject.

Avoid using blind writes. Instead, use a more precise phrase, such as a write operation without a read operation.

Avoid using blind change or change blindly. Instead, use a more precise phrase such as change without first confirming the value.

When referring to people, use terms like person who is blind, screen reader user (if applicable), person who is visually impaired, person who is low-vision, magnification user (if applicable).

blue-green

Write blue-green with a hyphen, not blue/green or blue green.

BMaaS

Write out on first mention: bare metal as a service (BMaaS).

boolean

In most contexts, you're talking about a specific data type in a specific programming language, in which case use code font and the exact spelling and capitalization of the programming keyword. But when referring to the abstract data type, use lowercase. (In the unlikely event that you refer to Boolean mathematics or Boolean logic, use uppercase.)

branding information

In the Google Cloud console, the phrase branding information refers to the information that Google shows to users when the client asks them to authorize access: specifically, the project's name and logo, and the developer's Google Account. This information is set in the Consent screen page.

break-glass

Don't use. This phrase is idiomatic.

To describe a general emergency or procedure that grants emergency access, use emergency access.
To describe a fallback procedure, use manual fallback or preplanned procedure.

brown bag, brown-bag

Don't use. Instead, use a more precise term like learning session, lunch and learn, lunchtime learning session, casual training, or informal training.

build cop, build sheriff

Don't use. Instead, use a more precise term like build monitor.

built-in

button

In a UI, a link is not the same as a button; don't use the term button to refer to a link.

Use button to refer to mechanical buttons (such as the Home button on the front of the phone and the Volume up/down buttons on the side of the phone) and capacitive touch buttons on the phone. You press mechanical buttons, and tap capacitive and on-screen buttons.

C

can: Use to convey permission, to refer to an optional action (for example, You can also view logs with the Log Viewer), or to refer to a possible outcome (for example, The process can take 30 minutes). See also could, may, might, must, should, and would. For more about clarifying who's doing what, see Active voice.
canary: Don't use canary as a verb, and don't use canarying. When possible, avoid jargon like canary and canary testing. If you use one of these phrases, define it on first use or provide a link to the definition, and use it consistently throughout the document.
canceled, cancelled: Either spelling is OK. For more information about spelling variations, see Spelling.
cell phone, cellphone: Don't use. Instead, use mobile phone, or if you're talking about more than phones, then use mobile device. It's OK to use phone (without mobile) when the context is clear.
cellular data: Don't use. Instead, use mobile data.
cellular network: Don't use. Instead, use mobile network.
chapter: When referring to documentation that isn't in the form of a book, don't use the term chapter. Instead, refer to documents, pages, or sections.
check: Don't use to refer to marking a checkbox. Instead, use select.; Recommended: Select Automatically check for updates.; Not recommended: Check Automatically check for updates.
checkbox; not check box
chubby: Don't use. Instead, use a word that clearly explains what you mean, such as unused or overextended.
clear: Use (as a verb) to refer to clearing a check mark from a checkbox.; Recommended: Clear Automatically check for updates.; Not recommended: Uncheck Automatically check for updates.; Not recommended: Deselect Automatically check for updates.
CLI: Don't use CLI generically to refer to a command-line interface. Instead, refer to the specific command-line interface, such as the gcloud CLI.
click; not click on: When the environment is a desktop with a mouse, use click for most targets, such as buttons, links, list items, and radio buttons.; Recommended: Click OK.; Not recommended: Click on OK.; Hyphenate right-click, left-click, and double-click.; When a click or tap action reveals a collapsed list, you can write click to expand or simply expand.; It's okay to write click in when referring to a region that needs focus (for example: click in the window), but not when referring to a control or a link.; For Android apps, don't use click. Instead, use tap.
click here: Don't use. For details and alternatives, see Link text.
clickthrough (noun), click through (verb)
client: In REST and RPC API documentation, client is short for client app—that is, the app that the developer is writing. Don't use client as an abbreviation for client library; instead, use library.
client ID
client secret
Cloud: Don't use as short for Google Cloud. For generic references such as the cloud or hybrid cloud, use the lowercase form.
Cloud console: Don't use. Instead, refer to the full name Google Cloud console, or if you aren't discussing any other console (such as the Google Admin console), you can abbreviate to the console after first mention. Use the before the tool name. For more information, see console.
Cloud SDK; not Google Cloud SDK
co*: See Closed compounds and prefixes.
codebase; not code base
codelab; not code lab: For more information, see documentation.
cold: When possible, avoid jargon like cold failover, cold standby, and cold spare. If you use one of these phrases, define it on first use and use it consistently throughout the document.
colocate; not co-locate or colo
combo box (noun), combo-box (adjective)
command line (noun), command-line (adjective)
compile time (noun), compile-time (adjective)
compliant, compliance: Use with caution. A claim that a product or its output is compliant with a standard is a strong statement.
comprise: Don't use. Instead, use consist of, contain, or include.
config: Avoid when possible. Instead, spell out the full word when it's used in a non-code sense: configuration or configuring. Use the verbatim code item name when referring to, for example, a data structure or file with that name.
cons: Don't use. Instead, use something like disadvantages.
console: Don't use in isolation. Instead, use the name of the specific console, such as the Google Cloud console or the Google Admin console. Use the before the tool name. After giving a console's full name, you can use a shortened version of the name, such as the Admin console.; If you're only discussing the Google Cloud console, after giving the full name you can refer to the console.; To refer to a sub-page of a console, use the term page.
Container Engine: Don't use. Instead, use Google Kubernetes Engine.
contents (noun): In its singular form, content can be a noun, adjective, or verb. In its plural form, it's nearly always a noun. In our documentation, we use the noun, so keep it plural.
content type: Don't use when referring to types such as application/json; instead, use media type.
Control+S, Command+S, etc.; not Ctl-S or Cmd-S or Cloverleaf-S: To refer to a Control character, use Control+CHARACTER. (In most cases, use an uppercase letter for CHARACTER.) Note that in macOS, many keyboard commands use the Command key instead of the Control key, and there's an Option key instead of an Alt key. If your audience includes macOS users as well as Windows or Linux users, then mention both keyboard commands.; Recommended: Control+S (Command+S on Macintosh)
Copy and paste: Avoid using. Instead explain what to enter into a field and not how.; Recommended: Enter the output from the previous step in the Query field.; Not recommended: Copy the output from the previous step and paste into the Query field.
could: Avoid using. Instead, use can where possible.; See also can, may, might, must, should and would. For more about clarifying who's doing what, see Active voice. For more information about tenses, see Present tense.
CPU: All caps. No need to expand the abbreviation on first mention.
crazy, bonkers, mad, lunatic, insane, loony: Don't use. Instead, use complicated, complex, baffling, strange, or unexpected, and only for inanimate objects.
Create a new ...: Avoid using unless you need to distinguish the item from another recently created item. Instead, use Create a ...; Recommended: Create a project.; Not recommended: Create a new project
cripple: Don't use. Instead, use more precise language. For example, instead of it crippled the server, write it slowed the server down.; When referring to people, use terms that specifically describe a physical impairment, such as person with a motor disability; person with a mobility impairment (refers to walking or moving about); person with dexterity impairment (refers to using a standard mouse or keyboard); person who uses a wheelchair, walker, or cane; wheelchair user; person with restricted or limited mobility.
cross-site request forgery
CSV: Don't use a filename extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use CSV file rather than .csv file. For details, see Referring to file types.
curated roles: Don't use. Instead, use predefined roles.
currently: Avoid because this word is implied. The word can also prematurely disclose product or feature strategy or inappropriately imply that a product or feature might change.; See also as of this writing and presently.; Recommended: Windows isn't supported.; Not recommended: Windows isn't currently supported.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
custom mode VPC network; not custom mode network
Cyber Monday: Avoid unless explicitly referring to an event in the US. Instead use peak scale event.

D

dash: A dash (—) is not the same character as a hyphen (-). The characters are used for different purposes. Therefore, don't use the word dash to refer to a hyphen.
dashboard: Don't use to refer to the Google Cloud console. For more information, see console.; Use dashboard not Dashboard unless it's officially part of a product name.
data: In our usage, data is singular, not plural. Say the data is, not the data are. Also, in our usage, data is a mass noun, not a count noun; for example, say less data rather than fewer data.
data center; not datacenter
data center campus: Use when referring to an entire physical location, which can encompass one or more data centers.
data cleaning; not data cleansing
data flow (noun); dataflow (noun): If it's possible to replace with the phrase flow of data, then use two words: data flow. If that's not possible, such as when referring to something like stream processing or reactive programming, then use one word: dataflow.
dataset; not data set
data source; not datasource
datastore; not data store
data type; not datatype
dead-letter queue, dead letter: Define on first use, for example dead-letter queue (unprocessed messages queue).
deep linking; not deep-linking: However, if it would work to replace with linking, then do that.
deficient: Don't use to refer to a person. OK to use to refer to a condition of a computer system.
deformed: Don't use to refer to a person. OK to use to refer to a condition of a computer system or inanimate object.
demilitarized zone (DMZ): Don't use. Instead, use a more precise term like perimeter network.
denigrate: Don't use. Instead, use disparage.
denylist (verb), denylisted, denylisting: Don't use as a verb. Instead, rewrite to improve clarity.; OK to use denylist as a noun.; For more information, see blacklist.
deprecate: To deprecate an item is to recommend against the item's use, typically as a warning that the item will soon be unavailable or unsupported. Don't use deprecated to mean removed, deleted, shut down, or turned down.
deselect: Don't use to refer to clearing a check mark from a checkbox. Instead, use clear.; Recommended: Clear Automatically check for updates.; Not recommended: Deselect Automatically check for updates.; Not recommended: Uncheck Automatically check for updates.
desire, desired: Don't use. Instead, use a word like want or need.; Recommended: Set the value to the size that you want.; Not recommended: Set the value to the size that you desire.; Not recommended: Set the value to the desired size.
destination network address translation (DNAT): Also okay to use destination NAT after first mention. If you do this, include it in the first mention parenthetical: (DNAT or destination NAT). See also NAT.
Developers Console: Don't use. For more information, see console.
Developer's Guide; not Developer Guide or Developers' Guide
DevOps: Short for development operations. No need to spell out on first mention unless the audience requires it. For more information, see DevOps.
dialog: Use dialog for the UI element sometimes called a dialog box. Use dialogue only for verbal interaction between people.
directory, folder: If the context you're documenting (such as an IDE's GUI) uses one term or the other, use that term. If not, then use directory in a command-line context, and folder in a GUI context. When in doubt, default to directory.
disable: Don't use disable or disabled to describe something that's broken.; When describing a user action or the state of a UI element, use a more precise term where possible. You can use inactive, unavailable, deactivate, turn off, or deselect, depending on the context. Use the same term consistently throughout your document. See also enable.
disaster recovery: Lowercase except when part of a product name, but OK to abbreviate as DR after first use.
disclosure triangle, disclosure widget: Don't use. Instead, use expander arrow.
display (verb): Don't use as an intransitive verb. Display is a transitive verb; therefore, it requires an object. It is often misused in technical documentation, as demonstrated by the following example:; Recommended: The Output Directories area appears.; Recommended: The Output Directories area is displayed.; Not recommended: The Output Directories area displays.; The following example demonstrates correct usage of the verb display but means something quite different from the preceding examples.; Recommended: The Output Directories area displays the vector image.
distributed denial-of-service (DDoS): Hyphenate as shown. On subsequent mention, use DDoS.
DNS server policy
DNSKEY
documentation or document or documents; not doc, docs, article, or topic: Within a document, use in this document, and not in this article or in this topic. It's okay to use in this tutorial, in this quickstart, or in this codelab.; Recommended: You can find many examples in this document.; Not recommended: You can find many examples in this article.; Recommended: This document provides guidance about creating tables.; Not recommended: This topic provides guidance about creating tables.
documentation set; not doc set or docset
does not yet: Avoid in timeless documentation because this phrase can become outdated. The phrase can also prematurely disclose product or feature strategy or inappropriately imply that a product or feature might change.; Recommended: The Google Cloud console doesn't support this IAM role.; Not recommended: The Google Cloud console does not yet support this IAM role.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
dojo: Don't use. Instead, use a precise term that is accurate for the context, such as training or workshop.
domain name registrar
Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC)
double-tap
downscope; not down scope or down-scope: Consider using a more descriptive term like constrain scope or reduce scope. Because downscope might not be broadly understood, if you use the term, make sure to define it on first use.; Recommended: Reducing the scope of a token helps you follow the principle of least privilege.; Recommended (first use): The IAM recommender helps you downscope (reduce the permissions) that are available to your users.
drag: Use drag, not click and drag and not drag and drop, although you can use drag-and-drop as an adjective.; Recommended: Drag the USER to the Authorized box.
drop-down; not dropdown: In most cases, you can omit drop-down in favor of list or menu. If the omission results in ambiguity, then include drop-down as a modifier.
dumb down: Don't use. Instead, use a word or phrase what's happening, such as simplify or remove technical jargon.
dummy variable: Don't use to refer to placeholders. Instead, use placeholder.; Also don't use if referring to the concept in statistics known as a dummy variable. Instead, use alternate terms such as indicator variable, design variable, one-hot encoding, Boolean indicator, binary variable, or qualitative variable.

E

each

Each refers to every individual item taken individually, not a group of items taken collectively. In other words, each is not a synonym for all. For example, a list of each item is ambiguous; a list of all the items or a list of the items is generally clearer.

earlier

Use for a range of version numbers, not lower.

Recommended: Use version 2.2 or earlier.

Not recommended: Use version 2.2 or lower.

In Android documentation, don't use earlier for a range of version numbers. Instead, use lower.

When referring to a position in a document, use earlier or preceding, not higher.

easy, easily

What might be easy for you might not be easy for others. Try eliminating this word from the sentence because usually the same meaning can be conveyed without it.

ECMP

Write out on first mention: equal-cost multipath (ECMP).

Do not use as a verb.

Recommended: Cloud Router uses ECMP across routes.

Not recommended: Cloud Router ECMPs traffic across routes.

ecommerce; not e-commerce

edge availability domain

Don't use edge availability zone, metro availability domain, or metro availability zone. Don't shorten to EAD.

e.g.

Don't use. Instead, use phrases like for example or such as. Too many people mix up e.g. and i.e.

egress

When referring to the networking term, use lowercase.

either

Usage note 1: When using either, use parallel syntax. It's fine to write Do either option 1 or option 2 or Either do option 1 or do option 2, but don't write Either do option 1 or option 2.

Usage note 2: We recommend using either only for a choice between two things, not for a choice among multiple things; however, this is a weak recommendation rather than a firm rule. Writing either A or B or C will annoy and distract some readers, but if it's the best phrasing for your situation, then use it.

element

In HTML and XML, a tag is a component of an element that indicates the start or end of the element. (For example, the <i> start tag indicates the beginning of the <i>example</i> element.) In general, don't use the term tag to refer to an entire element.

email; not e-mail or Email or E-mail

As of mid-2017, Merriam-Webster dictionaries still prefer e-mail to email. But the AP style manual switched to email in March 2011, and the New York Times switched to email in October 2013.

In some contexts, mail is a better choice.

Don't use as a verb. Use a specific verb in front of the word. For example, send email. This construction is better for translation and a global audience.

emoji

Use emoji for both singular and plural forms. See Don't know the difference between emoji and emoticons? Let me explain and What's the Plural of Emoji?

enable

In procedures, use the appropriate label and action for the UI element that the user interacts with.

For turning on or activating an option or feature, use enable or turn on consistently:

Use the same term in introductory text as described in the procedure.
Use the same term throughout the document unless there's a difference in the UI elements for different procedures.

Recommended: To enable the API, click the toggle.

Recommended: Enable the API for your project.

For making it feasible to do something, use lets you.

Recommended: The API lets you detect features in images.

Not recommended: The API enables you to detect features in images.

Not recommended: The API allows you to detect features in images.

endpoint; not end point

end user (noun), end-user (adjective)

Also consider user.

enter

Use enter to refer to the user entering text. If it's important to not press Enter, explicitly say so. Also see type.

Recommended: In the Owner box, enter your name.

Recommended: In the Size box, type a font size.

ephemeral external IP address

Do not use ephemeral IP address or external IP address to refer to ephemeral external IP addresses.

error-prone (adjective)

etc.

Avoid both etc. and and so on wherever possible, but if you really need to use one, use etc. Always include the period, even if a comma follows immediately after.

In Google Cloud documentation, never use etc. under any circumstances.

Recommended: Your app might experience problems such as instability or high latency.

Recommended: Your app might experience problems, including instability or high latency.

Not recommended: Your app might experience instability, high latency, and so on.

Not recommended (but acceptable in non-Google Cloud documentation): Your app might experience instability, high latency, etc.

Not recommended (but acceptable in non-Google Cloud documentation): If your app experiences instability, high latency, etc., follow these steps:

ETL

OK to use with caution, but write out on first mention: extract, transform, and load (ETL).

eventually

Avoid in timeless documentation because this word can become outdated. The word can also prematurely disclose product or feature strategy or inappropriately imply that a product or feature might change.

F

fail over (verb), failover (noun, adjective)
fat: Don't use. Instead, use a precise modifier that conveys the appropriate meaning. For example, use high-capacity network connection instead of fat connection or full-featured client instead of fat client.; Instead of using fat in a negative sense, such as trim the fat, refer in a more concrete manner to the removal of unused items.; OK to use as an acronym when referring to file allocation table (FAT).
female adapter: Don't use. Instead, use a genderless word like socket.
filename; not file name
file system; not filesystem
fill in; fill out: Use fill in when referring to entering information in individual fields. Use fill out when referring to completing an entire form.; Recommended: Fill out the questionnaire. Be sure to fill in the required fields.
final solution: Don't use. Instead, use solution as a standalone term or, depending on the context, definitive, optimal, best, or last solution.
fintech: Write out on first mention: financial technology (fintech). Don't use FinTech or fin-tech.
firewalls: Don't use in Compute Engine or networking documentation. Instead, use firewall rules.; Exception: If you are explaining how firewall rules work, you can explain that every network has an implied virtual distributed firewall.; Outside of Compute Engine or networking documentation, the term firewalls is acceptable.
first-class, first-class citizen, first class: Don't use socially-charged terms for technical concepts where possible. Instead, consider terms such as core feature, built-in, top-level.
flag (command-line context): Don't use. Instead, use option. For exceptions to this rule, see Documenting command-line syntax.
following: It's not necessary to use a noun after following unless it helps provide clarity and enables accessibility. See Tables.; Recommended: ... in the following code sample ...; Recommended: ... in the following table ...; Recommended: ... do the following: ...
foo: Avoid when possible even though it's a common term in the developer community. Instead, use a clearer and more meaningful placeholder name.
for instance: Avoid when possible. Instead, use for example or such as.
frontend
functionality: Use with caution. With respect to hardware or software, functionality refers to the set of associated functions or capabilities and how they work. However, the word is sometimes overused, especially when the intended meaning is capabilities or features.
future, in the future: Avoid in timeless documentation because this word or phrase can become outdated.; See also eventually and soon. For more information, see Timeless documentation.

G

GBps: Short for gigabytes per second. By convention, we don't use GB/s. For more information, see Units of measurement.
Gbps: Short for gigabits per second. By convention, we don't use Gb/s. For more information, see Units of measurement.
gcloud CLI: After first use of Google Cloud CLI on a page, it's okay to refer to the gcloud CLI, but not simply gcloud. The name is always lowercase, and gcloud is always set in code font.
gender-neutral he, him, or his (or she or her): Don't use. Instead, use the singular they (see Jane Austen and other famous authors violate what everyone learned in their English class). Don't use he/she or (s)he or other such punctuational approaches. For more information, see Pronouns.
GFE: Write out on first mention: Google Front End (GFE). The GFE is an infrastructure service. Okay to use the article the before the term and the abbreviation, and to use the plural (GFEs). For an example in documentation, see Google Front End service.
ghetto: Don't use. Instead use more precise terms like clumsy, workaround, or inelegant to refer to code that isn't in a production-ready state.
GIF: Don't use a filetype extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use GIF file rather than .gif file. For details, see Referring to file types.
gimp, gimpy: Don't use. Instead, use precise, non-figurative language to refer to a deficiency in a component.; OK to use in reference to companies, tools, software packages, and other entities that use the term in their names.
GKE: Write out on first mention: Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).
GKE node: Use when first introducing GKE nodes on a given page. For subsequent mentions, you can use node. A GKE node is a worker machine that runs containerized applications and other workloads. The machine is a Compute Engine VM that GKE creates during cluster creation. See also virtual machine (VM) instance.
Google, Googling: Don't use as a verb or gerund. Instead, use search with Google.
Google Account, Google Accounts (capital A)
Google API Client Library for LANGUAGE (Java, .NET, etc.): On second and subsequent use, you can abbreviate to LANGUAGE client library.
Google API Console, Google APIs Console: Don't use. For more information, see console.
Google Cloud; not GCP, Cloud Platform, or Cloud
Google Cloud console: If you're only discussing the Google Cloud console, it's OK to shorten to the console after first use on a given page.; Use the before the tool name. For more information, see console.
Google Cloud project ID; not Cloud project ID or GCP project ID: You can also shorten to project ID, but be aware that that term is ambiguous in some contexts.
Google Developers Console: Don't use. For more information, see console.
Google I/O; not I-O or IO
Google Play services
Google Play services SDK
google.dev: Lowercase in all contexts, even at the beginning of a sentence.
grandfather clause, grand-father clause, grand father clause
: Don't use. See grandfathered.
grandfathered: Don't use to refer to something that is allowed to violate a rule because it predates the rule. Instead, use an adjective like legacy or exempt or a verb like made an exception.; Recommended: The app is exempt because it was released before the new requirements were announced.; Not recommended: The app is grandfathered in because it was released before the new requirements were announced.
gray-box: Avoid using gray-box, graybox, or gray box to describe testing.; To refer to testing that's a combination of clear and opaque testing methods, describe exactly what it's doing.; If you need to refer to this type of testing after you describe it, consider using a more precise term for clarity, such as translucent-box testing.
grayed-out, greyed-out, gray out, grey out: Don't use. Instead, use unavailable.
grayhat, greyhat, gray hat, grey hat: Don't use. Follow the guidance for black hat when referring to someone violating rules or laws.
graylist, greylist, gray list, grey list, gray-list, grey-list: Don't use. See blacklist.
graylisted, greylisted, gray listed, grey listed, gray-listed, grey-listed: Don't use. See blacklist.
graylisting, greylisting, gray listing, grey listing, gray-listing, grey-listing: Don't use. See blacklist.
gsutil: Use code font for both the name of the command-line utility and the command.
guru: If possible, use a more precise term. For example, if you mean expert or teacher, use those terms.
guys, you guys: When referring to a group of people use non-gendered language, such as everyone or folks.
gypsy: Don't use. To refer to the people, use Romani, Roma, or Traveller, as appropriate for the specific group you're referring to. In place of metaphorical uses of the term, use more precise phrases.

H

hackathon; not hack-a-thon

hamburger, hamburger menu

Don't use. Instead use the aria-label for that particular icon. For example, Menu. For more information, see Buttons and icons.

hands off, hands-off

Use a less figurative phrase, such as automated. If you're referring to a group that doesn't do anything during a process, write a description.

hands on, hands-on

Use a less figurative phrase, such as customizable, or write a description of the activity.

hang, hung

Don't use to refer to a computer or system that is not responding. Instead, use stop responding or not responding. For more information, see Avoid unnecessarily violent language.

happiness and satisfaction

Use happiness when referring to a customer's perception of a site's reliability. Use satisfaction when referring to whether the site meets the customer's needs.

Site reliability engineering (SRE) content generally refers to measuring customer happiness instead of customer satisfaction. The two phrases are not equivalent.

The distinction the SRE docs make is between satisfying a need (a dispassionate act) and establishing an emotional response (creating happiness). Although it is difficult to measure happiness precisely, SRE uses service level indicators (SLIs) to quantify user perception. For example, a customer might feel a "need" to watch a show on TV. If the show is available, the customer's need is satisfied. But if playback is slow or choppy, the customer might not be happy.

For more information about SRE and measuring reliability, see The Happiness Test.

hardcode (verb), hardcoded (adjective)

he, him, his

Don't use a gendered pronoun except for a specific individual of known gender. Use they and their for the general singular pronoun.

healthcare; not health care or health-care

health check

Use with caution. When describing an action taken for a computer system, only use the term health check if this is the term that appears in the interface. Be certain to remove any ambiguity regarding whether the term refers to health in the medical sense.

Use detailed, non-figurative language as much as possible, such as referring to a node being responsive instead of referring to a node being healthy.

healthy

Don't use. See health check.

high availability (noun), high-availability (adjective)

Lowercase except when part of a product name, but OK to abbreviate as HA after first use.

higher

Don't use for a range of version numbers. Instead, use later.

Don't use to refer to a position in a document. Use earlier or preceding.

Don't use to refer to a position in the UI. Instead, write instructions that avoid directional language. For more information, see Writing accessible documentation.

In Android documentation, use higher for a range of version numbers, not later.

A release with the highest version number might not be the latest version. For example, if version 2.0 of an operating system receives a bug-fix update after version 3.0 has been released, then version 2.0.1 might be the latest version, even though its version number is lower than 3.0.

high performance computing (HPC)

Lowercase and no hyphen.

hit

Don't use as a synonym for click, press, or type.

hold the pointer over

Only use this verb phrase in the following cases:

When the user needs to hold their mouse over a UI element, but not click the UI element. This action involves waiting for the UI to react—for example, waiting for a tooltip to open or waiting for a submenu to open.
When the duration of time is important.

The phrase point to is more common.

I

IaaS

Write out on first mention: infrastructure as a service (IaaS).

IAM

When referring to the Google Cloud product, spell it out on first use: Identity and Access Management (IAM).

When referring to UI text, write this term the way it's written in the UI.

When referring to the general practice of identity and access management, spell it out in lowercase on first use and include a parenthetical comment:

Recommended: Identity and access management (generally referred to as IAM) is the practice of granting the right individuals access to the right resources for the right reasons.

ID

Not Id or id, except in string literals or enums. In some contexts, best to spell out as identifier or identification.

i.e.

Don't use. Instead, use phrases like that is. Too many people mix up e.g. and i.e.

If

Wondering whether to use if or whether? See whether.

impact

Use only as a noun.

Recommended: This issue affects user experience.

Acceptable: This issue has an impact on user experience.

Not recommended: This issue impacts user experience.

index

Use the plural indexes unless there is a domain-specific reason (for example, a mathematical or financial context) to use indices.

ingest

Avoid in most cases when referring to data. Instead, use import or load.

ingress

When referring to the networking term, use lowercase. When referring to the GKE term or API, capitalize Ingress.

in order to

If at all possible, don't use in order to; instead, use to. Very occasionally, in order to does clarify meaning or make something easier to read.

inline

One word as an adjective, inline, not in line or in-line.

instance group

Don't abbreviate to IG. See also managed instance group.

intercluster

Use unhyphenated intercluster, not inter-cluster.

interconnectAttachment

Use when referring to the API. Otherwise, use VLAN attachment.

Interconnect connection

Only use Interconnect connection relative to a product as follows:

CDN Interconnect connection
Cloud Interconnect connection
Dedicated Interconnect connection
Partner Interconnect connection

Okay to use connection on subsequent mentions.

When you're referring to a Google Cloud product, always specify the product name. Don't use Interconnect or interconnect as standalone terms, and don't use generic terms like cloud interconnect connection or cross-connect.

Interconnect connection location

Only refer to an Interconnect connection location in context of a specific product, for example CDN Interconnect.

Okay to also use colocation facility.

interconnect type

Don't use. Instead, use connection type. Examples of connection types are a dedicated connection or a connection provided by a service provider.

interface

OK to use as a noun, but don't use as a verb. Instead, try interact, talk, speak, communicate, or other similar terms.

internal DNS

internal IP address; not network IP address or private IP address

Internationalized Domain Name (IDN)

internet

Changed to lowercase in August 2017, in part because several other style guides have recently made this change.

Internet Key Exchange (IKE)

I/O (see also Google I/O)

IoT

OK to use as an abbreviation for Internet of Things. Note the lowercase o.

IP

IP alone is an abbreviation for intellectual property. If you mean an IP address, write IP address.

IPsec, not IPSec or IPSEC

Short for Internet Protocol Security. No need to spell out on first mention.

J

jank: Use only to refer to a glitch or problem with graphics that is caused by a loss of data. Avoid using otherwise.
janky: Use a less figurative term to refer to something of poor or unreliable quality.
JPEG: Don't use a filename extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use JPEG file rather than .jpg file. For details, see Referring to file types.
just: Avoid. Usually, just is a filler word that you can delete without affecting your meaning.; Recommended: BigQuery skips the row.; Not recommended: BigQuery just skips the row.; If your meaning is unclear without just, then use a more specific term such as only, instead, or previously, or revise your language to be more specific. (Even if one of these replacement terms fits, you often don't need it.); Recommended: You can execute DML statements in the same way that you'd execute a SELECT statement.; Not recommended: You can execute DML statements just as you'd execute a SELECT statement.; Recommended: Let a user query only the table without full dataset access.; Recommended: Let a user query the table without full dataset access.; Not recommended: Let a user query just the table without full dataset access.; Sometimes, just is useful for conveying that one approach is simpler than another. In those cases, use just instead of simply.; Recommended: Use the namespace ID namespace:example-kind or just example-kind.

K

k8s: Don't use. Instead, use Kubernetes.
KBps: Short for kilobytes per second. By convention, we don't use KB/s. For more information, see Units of measurement.
Kbps: Short for kilobits per second. By convention, we don't use Kb/s. For more information, see Units of measurement.
kebab, kabob, kebab menu, kabob menu: Don't use. Instead use the aria-label for that particular icon. For example, More. For more information, see Buttons and icons.
kebab case, kabob case, kebab-case, kabob-case: Don't use. Instead, use dash-case.
key: Don't use as an adjective in the sense of crucial or important. If you use key as a noun, specify which kind of key you're referring to on first mention, because there are many kinds of keys in technical contexts.
key pair: A pair of keys, such as a public key and a private key. Contrast with key-value pair, which refers to a pairing that specifies a value for a variable (as in configuration files).
key ring: Use instead of keyring (without the space) when referring to a grouping of Cloud KMS keys.
key-value pair: Use instead of key/value pair or key value pair.
kill: Avoid when possible. Instead, use words like stop, exit, cancel, or end. For exceptions to this rule, see Documenting command-line syntax.

L

lame: Don't use. Instead, use precise, non-figurative language to refer to a deficiency in a component.
later: Use for a range of version numbers, not higher.; Recommended: Use version 2.2 or later.; Not recommended: Use version 2.2 or higher.; Not recommended: Use version 2.2+.; A release with the highest version number might not be the latest version. For example, if version 2.0 of an operating system receives a bug-fix update after version 3.0 has been released, then version 2.0.1 might be the latest version, even though its version number is lower than 3.0.; In Android documentation, don't use later for a range of version numbers. Instead, use higher.; When referring to a position in a document, use later or following, not below.
latest: Avoid in timeless documentation because this word can become outdated. If you must use latest, give the reader a reference point—for example, a version number or release date.; Recommended: To help keep your system secure, install the latest version of the tools.; Recommended: The June 2021 release includes the latest tools that help secure your system.; Not recommended: The product includes the latest tools that help secure your system.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
Layer: Use capital L; for example, Layer 2, Layer 3, Layer 4, or Layer 7.; Don't shorten to L2, L3, and so on.
lead-in (noun)
learnings: Don't use.
left-nav, right-nav: Don't use directional language. Instead, use navigation menu if referring to applications, and use content navigation menu if referring to navigational elements for documentation.
legacy: If possible, use a more precise term. If you do use legacy, include or point to a definition to clarify what you mean in the current context. Do not use legacy with any sort of pejorative connotation.
let's (as a contraction of let us): Don't use if at all possible.; Not recommended: Let's click the OK button now.
Letter of Authorization and Connecting Facility Assignment (LOA-CFA)
leverage: Avoid using if you mean use. If possible, use a more precise term. For example, use, build on, or take advantage of.
lifecycle; not life cycle or life-cycle
lifetime; not life time or life-time
lift and shift; not rehosting or the forklift approach: To refer to the idea of migrating an app or workload with no changes or minimal changes, use lift and shift and write an inline definition. For more information and an example, see lift and shift in the Cloud Architecture Center.
like versus such as: It's okay to use like or such as for comparisons or examples.
limits: In an API context, often refers to usage limits (number of queries allowed per second or per day). Where possible, best to specify the kind of limit you mean, using terms like usage limit or service limit; the word limit can refer to many different kinds of limits, including rules about acceptable use. See also quota.
lint: Write both command-line tool name and command in lowercase. Use code font except where inappropriate.
little-endian: Use lowercase for both words. Hyphenate.; Recommended: The codebase currently assumes little-endian byte ordering.; Not recommended: The codebase currently assumes Little Endian byte ordering.; Not recommended: The codebase currently assumes Little-endian byte ordering.; Not recommended: The codebase currently assumes little endian byte ordering.
livestream; not live stream
load balancing (noun), load-balancing (adjective)
lock-in (noun), lock in (verb)
lock screen
login (noun or adjective), log in (verb): For the verb form, sign in is generally better, but if you're documenting a tool that uses the term log in, then use the term that the tool uses.
long press: In Android documentation, don't use. Instead, use touch & hold. (Not touch and hold.)
lower: Don't use for a range of version numbers. Instead, use earlier.; Don't use to refer to a position in a document. Instead, use later or following.; Don't use to refer to a position in the UI. Instead, write instructions that avoid directional language. For more information, see Writing accessible documentation.; In Android documentation, use lower for a range of version numbers, not earlier.

M

macOS

The operating system formerly known as OS X has been rebranded as macOS. If you're referring to a specific version of the Apple operating system, then use its official name at the time of its release (such as OS X 10.11); but if you're referring to the operating system in general, use macOS.

male adapter

Don't use. Instead, use a genderless word like plug.

man hours, manhours, man-hours

Avoid using gendered terms. Instead use terms like person hours.

man-in-the-middle (MITM)

Avoid using gendered terms. Instead use terms like on-path attacker, person-in-the-middle (PITM).

managed instance group (MIG)

Okay to abbreviate to MIG on subsequent mention. See also instance group.

manmade, man made

Avoid using gendered terms. Instead use a word like artificial, manufactured, or synthetic.

manned

Avoid using gendered terms. Instead use terms like staffed or crewed.

manpower, man power, man-power

Avoid using gendered terms. Instead use terms like staff or workforce.

Markdown

Always capitalized, even when you're referring to a nonstandard version.

markup (noun), mark up (verb)

No hyphen. As a verb, it's two words.

master

Use with caution. Never use in conjunction with slave. Where possible, replace master with a specific term that is accurate for the context, such as primary, main, original, parent, initiator, driver, controller, manager, mixer, aggregator, publisher, leader, or active.

Guidance	Recommended	Not recommended
Don't use master in conjunction with slave in any context.	Cloud SQL primary/replica	Cloud SQL master/slave
Avoid using master where possible.	GKE control plane Jenkins controller root key (in security) primary key (in databases)	GKE master plane Jenkins master master key (in security) master key (in databases)

If the command or code that you're documenting uses the literal word master, then use this word only in direct reference to the code item (formatted as code), make it clear what you're referring to, and use the new term thereafter.

See slave.

Material Design

matrix

Use the plural matrixes unless there is a domain-specific reason (for example, a mathematical context) to use matrices.

may

In general, reserve for official policy or legal considerations. To convey possibility, use can or might instead. To convey permission, use can instead. See also can, could, might, must, should, and would. For more about clarifying who's doing what, see Active voice.

MBps

Short for megabytes per second. By convention, we don't use MB/s. For more information, see Units of measurement.

Mbps

Short for megabits per second. By convention, we don't use Mb/s. For more information, see Units of measurement.

media type

In most contexts, use media type instead of content type or MIME type.

meta*

See Closed compounds and prefixes.

metadata (no hyphen)

metafeed (no hyphen)

metageneration (no hyphen)

method

In programming contexts where method refers to a member of a class (as in Java), avoid also using the word generically to mean "approach" or "manner."

metropolitan area (metro)

In networking, a metro is a city where a colocation facility is located.

microservices

Lowercase. Don't hyphenate.

might

Use to convey possibility or an uncertain outcome (for example, You might be prompted to enter your credentials). See also can, could, may, must, should, and would. For more about clarifying who's doing what, see Active voice.

MIME type

MIME stands for "Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions," and thus refers specifically to email. In non-email contexts, use media type instead. If you feel that'll be ambiguous to an audience familiar with the term MIME, then you can write media (MIME) type for clarity.

ML

Okay to use as an abbreviation for "machine learning" after the first mention of that term.

mobile

Don't use mobile as a standalone noun. Instead, specify mobile phone, or if you're talking about more than phones, then use mobile device.

mobile data

Use instead of cellular data.

mobile device

Use mobile device when you're referring to more than phones (for example, tablets and phones). It's OK to use phone (without mobile) when the context is clear.

mobile network

Use instead of cellular network.

mobile phone

If you're talking about more than phones, then use mobile device. It's OK to use phone (without mobile) when the context is clear.

mom test

Don't use mom test, grandmother test, grandma test, or girlfriend test. Instead, use terms like beginner user test or novice user test.

monkey, monkey test

Don't use monkey to refer to people. When referring to tests, refer to the specific function. For example: automated, random tests.

MTU

Write out on first mention: maximum transmission unit (MTU).

multi*

See Closed compounds and prefixes.

multicloud

In most uses, one word multicloud, not multi-cloud. If a product or company name is hyphenated, then use the hyphen.

multi-cluster

Include hyphen. We generally prefer to close prefixed words, but this is an exception because it is an established term.

multi-region, multi-regional

Include hyphen when referring to a Google Cloud location that consists of more than one region. You can use multi-regional as an adjective in the context of multi-regions, but consider multi-region as an attributive noun instead, such as in "The dataset is in the EU multi-region location." Use multiregional in other contexts.

multi-service

Include hyphen. We generally prefer to close prefixed words, but this is an exception because it is an established term.

multi-tenancy

Include hyphen. We generally prefer to close prefixed words, but this is an exception because it is an established term.

must

Use to describe a required action or state (for example, You must have the Editor role). You can also write you need in order to convey a requirement. See also can, could, may, might, should, and would. For more about clarifying who's doing what, see Active voice.

N

N/A; not NA: Spell out as not available or not applicable on first reference.
name server; not nameserver
namespace; not name space
native: Avoid using native to refer to people. When referring to software products, try to use a more precise term—for example, use built-in to describe a feature that's part of a product.; The term native isn't necessarily clear—for example, cloud-native could mean that something was written for the cloud, or that it's built in to a cloud platform, or that it currently exists in a cloud platform.; Alternatives to a term like cloud-native could include: modern cloud, born in the cloud, cloud first, and cloud-born.
navigation bar: Don't use to refer to a navigation menu. For more information, see Navigation menu.
neither: Say neither A nor B, not neither A or B.
network address translation (NAT): Spell out on first mention. To turn into an adjective, use NAT-translated, or rephrase. Don't use NATted or NAT-ted. See also DNAT and SNAT.
network endpoint group (NEG)
network interface controller (NIC)
network IP address: Don't use. Instead, use internal IP address.
new, newer: Avoid in timeless documentation because this word can become outdated. New also implies that the reader knows the older product and that labeling something as new is therefore meaningful. If you must use new, give the reader a reference point—for example, a version number or release date.; Don't use newer to refer to a specific version of a product. Instead, use later. Make sure that you provide a version number or release date by which to understand later. For Android documentation, use higher instead of later.; Recommended: The service's network analysis feature reports on network health.; Not recommended: Network analysis, a new feature in the service, reports on network health.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
ninja: Don't use to refer to a person. Instead, use a term such as expert. OK to use in reference to companies, tools, software packages, and other entities that use the term in their names.
NLU: Write out on first mention: natural-language understanding (NLU).
non*: See Closed compounds and prefixes.
nonce: Use with caution: this term has a secondary slang meaning that can cause confusion for global readers. Always define the term on first use, and only use it in specific technical contexts such as authentication and blockchain.; In end-user documentation and other contexts, use a more descriptive phrase, such as a number that will be used only once.
nonfatal; not non-fatal
non-key: An exception to our usual preference for closed forms.
NoOps: Don't use. Instead, use fully managed. If you must include the term, define it at first use with language such as fully managed or no operations, but not non-operational. Do not use noops.
For an instruction that does nothing, use no-op or the specific instruction name for your context.
NoSQL
notification drawer
now: Avoid when describing features of products or services because this word is implied. If the intent of the text is a comparison between past and present, you can use now—for example, In versions of the tool earlier than 1.10, you could use only the default value, but now you can assign a custom value.; Recommended: This feature lets you use combinations of user properties.; Not recommended: This feature now lets you use combinations of user properties.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
nuke: Don't use. Instead use remove or attack. For example, a denial-of-service attack.

O

OAuth 2.0; not OAuth 2 or OAuth2 or Oauth
off-the-shelf, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS): Use more widely understood terms like ready-made, pre-built, standard, or default.
OK or okay; not ok or Okay
old, older: Don't use to refer to a previous version of a product. Instead, use earlier. Make sure that you provide a version number by which to understand earlier. For Android documentation, use lower instead of earlier.; Recommended: This functionality doesn't work in versions earlier than 1.17.0.; Not recommended: This functionality doesn't work in older versions.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
omnibox: Don't use. Instead, use address bar.
once: If you mean after, then use after instead of once.
online: One word as an adjective, online, not on line or on-line.
on-premises; not on prem or on premise or on-premise: Use to refer to a customer's resources that they manage in their own facilities. Don't use peer. Hyphenate when used as any part of speech. It can be acceptable to use on-premises as a noun when it would be awkward to repeatedly write out a full phrase like an on-premises environment. However, it's preferable to use the more complete phrase whenever possible.; Recommended: An on-premises database; Recommended: The database runs on-premises; OK: Moving data from on-premises to Google Cloud
open source (no hyphen, not even as an adjective or verb)
option (in command-line context); not argument or flag or parameter: For exceptions to this rule, see Documenting command-line syntax
OS: Okay to use as a shortening of "operating system."
outpost: Don't use. Instead, use channel.; Recommended: social media channels
outside the box, out of the box, out-of-the-box: Avoid using in a figurative way. OK to use literally.
overview screen: In Android documentation, don't use. Instead, use recents screen.

P

PaaS: Write out on first mention: platform as a service (PaaS).
page: Preferred term when referring to a web page in general, and to a sub-page of a console in particular.
parameter: In our API documentation, parameter is usually short for query parameter; it's a NAME=VALUE pair that's appended to a URL in an HTTP GET request. In some contexts, however, the term can have other meanings.
parent-child or parent/child; not parent – child or parent—child
path: Avoid using filepath, file path, pathname, or path name if possible.
PDF: Don't use a filename extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use PDF file rather than .pdf file. For details, see Referring to file types.
peer gateway: Don't use on-premises gateway when you mean a peer gateway. A peer gateway can be an on-premises device or service or another cloud gateway.
peer network: Don't use on-premises network when you mean a peer network. A peer network can be an on-premises network or another cloud network.
peering zone; not peer zone
per: To express a rate, use per instead of the division slash (/), unless space constraints require the use of the slash. For more information, see Units of measurement.; Avoid per in contexts other than rate units.; Recommended: requests per day; Recommended: create a policy for each Pod; Recommended: according to the style guide; Recommended: in response to your request; Not recommended: requests/day; Not recommended: create a policy per Pod; Not recommended: per the style guide; Not recommended: as per your request
performant: Avoid where possible. Instead, use more specific wording.; Recommended: an accurate machine learning model; Not recommended: a performant machine learning model
persist: Don't use as a transitive verb, and best to avoid using as a verb at all, especially in passive voice.; Recommended: To make the token persistent ...; OK: To make the token persist ...; Not recommended: The token is persisted ...; Not recommended: To persist the token ...
persistent disk; not PD: Lowercase except at the start of a sentence.
personally identifiable information (PII): Some government agencies use the less common term personally identifying information; use this alternate term only in contexts where you are referring to a document that uses this term.
pets versus cattle, pets vs. cattle, pets v. cattle: Don't use. Instead, use more precise terms like persistent versus dynamic or manually configured versus automated. For more information, see Avoid unnecessarily violent language.
plain text (but plaintext in cryptography context)
please: Don't use please in the normal course of explaining how to use a product, even if you're explaining a difficult task. Also don't use the phrase please note.; Use please only when you're asking for permission or forgiveness—for example, when what you're asking for benefits us, inconveniences a reader, or suggests a potential issue with a product.; Recommended: If the issue persists, please contact your account representative.; For more information, see the style and tone page.
plugin (noun), plug-in (adjective), plug in (verb)
PM: See AM, PM.
PNG: Don't use a filetype extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use PNG file rather than .png file. For details, see Referring to file types.
point to: Use to refer to the action of pointing the mouse pointer (focus). This action doesn't imply a length of time waiting for the UI to react to user action. This is similar to the action hold the pointer over (hover). In most cases, it's better to use the verb phrase hold the pointer over because we want the user to wait for the UI to react.
POJO: If you're not actually writing about a Plain Old Java Object for a Java audience, use simple object. It's acceptable to write a simple object, similar to a POJO in Java if that helps your audience.
PoP: Acronym for point of presence.; Recommended: point of presence (PoP); Not recommended: point of presence (POP)
pop-up, popup: Don't use. Instead, use dialog to describe a window that appears and asks for, or presents, additional information. Use menu for menus that rise from an interface.
populate: OK to use if you're writing about a process populating a table or other entity. If you're writing about a person, use fill in.; Recommended: The SQL command populates the table with sample data.; Recommended: When you have finished filling in the form ...; Not recommended: When you have finished populating the form ...
port: Use listen on (not to).
portal: Don't use to refer to the Google Cloud console. For more information, see console.
possible: Don't use possible or impossible to mean you can or you can't.
PostgreSQL: If the UI uses the name Postgres, it's OK to match the UI. Don't use PostgresSQL.
postmortem: Avoid in general usage. Instead, use retrospective. In disaster recovery (DR) and DevOps context, use blameless postmortem.
practitioner: Avoid using without any supporting information to define the roles that you're referring to.; Recommended: The framework describes best practices for architects, developers, administrators, and other cloud practitioners.; Not recommended: The framework describes best practices for cloud practitioners.
pre*: See Closed compounds and prefixes.
prebuilt; not pre-built
precapture; not pre-capture
preceding: Recommended: ... in the preceding example ...
precondition; not pre-condition
predefined; not pre-defined
preemptible; not pre-emptible or pre-emptive
pre-existing; not preexisting
preferred pronouns: Don't use. Instead, use pronouns.
prerecorded; not pre-recorded
pre-shared key; not preshared key
presently, at present: Avoid because this word or phrase is implied. The word or phrase can also prematurely disclose product or feature strategy or inappropriately imply that a product or feature might change.; See also as of this writing and currently.; Recommended: This setting is required.; Not recommended: At present, this setting is required.; For more information, see Timeless documentation.
press: Use when referring to pressing a key or a key combination to cause an action to occur. Also use for mechanical buttons. Use tap for on-screen and soft (capacitive) buttons.; Recommended: Press Control+C (or Command+C on Mac).
presubmit; not pre-submit
primitive: Use with caution. Don't use primitive in a disparaging sense.
project: In Google Cloud documentation, use Google Cloud project on first mention and in any context in which there might be ambiguity about what kind of project you're referring to.
property: In our API documentation, a property is an element in a resource. For example, a Task resource has properties like kind, id, and title.
pros: Don't use. Instead, use something else, such as advantages.

Q

quick, quickly: What might be quick for you might not be quick for others. Try eliminating this word from the sentence because usually the same meaning can be conveyed without it.
quota: In API contexts, often refers to API usage limits. Where possible, best to use a more specific term than quota, such as usage limit; the word quota means many different things to many different people. But in some contexts, such as Google Cloud documentation, the standard term is quota, so use that.

R

ransomware; not ransom ware
RDP: Don't use as a verb. Instead, use connect using RDP. Or, if it's clear from context that they're using RDP, then use connect.
re*: See Closed compounds and prefixes.
read-only, not read only: Always hyphenate read-only.
real time (noun), real-time (adjective), Realtime (as part of product name): Recommended: We report on system health in real time.; Recommended: We offer real-time reporting.
rebranding, not re-branding
recents screen; not overview screen
redline: Don't use as a verb. Instead, use precise terms appropriate to the context.; In the context of editing or providing a review, refer to those actions or to tracking changes.; In the context of setting priorities and planning work, refer to those actions or to priority lining.
regex: Don't use. Instead, use regular expression.
repo: Don't use. Instead, use repository.
Representational State Transfer: Don't use. To people unfamiliar with REST, this acronym expansion is meaningless; it's better to refer to it as REST and not bother trying to explain what it theoretically stands for.
reservation, off the: Don't use.
resource record set; not resource recordset
response policy zone (RPZ)
retarded: Don't use. If you are referring to a system or component being slowed, use the word slowed.
retriable, triable: Don't use retriable or triable, unless a code item uses that spelling. Outside of code font, write around the term.
retryable, tryable: Where possible, write around retryable and tryable. For example, write out can be tried again or you can try it again.
review: If you mean "read, potentially for the first time," then use read instead of review. If you mean "read critically, commenting on problems" (as in code review), then review is fine; the usage to avoid is phrasing like If you've never heard of OAuth, then review the OAuth documentation.
RFC: When referencing an RFC specification, use a space between RFC and the number (for example, RFC 2318).
roll out: Don't use to mean a sudden or instantaneous launch. If you use roll out, define what you mean. When possible, use a more precise, non-figurative term like gradual, in stages, phases, or progressive.
round-trip delay (RTD)
round-trip time (RTT)
RTFM: Don't use. Instead, use something like For more information, see....
runbook; not run book
runtime, run time: Use the noun runtime when referring to the environment in which software runs, such as a Ruby or Java runtime. Use the noun phrase run time when referring to the time during program execution when something occurs, as contrasted with compile time, for example.; Recommended: The profiler collects data at run time, and the scheduler uses this data at compile time to improve performance for subsequent runs.; Recommended: The App Engine standard environment has two generations of runtime environments. The second-generation runtimes significantly improve the capabilities of App Engine.

S

SaaS

Write out on first mention: software as a service (SaaS).

sane

Don't use. Instead use a word like valid or sensible.

sanity check

Don't use. Instead, use a term like quick check, confidence check, preliminary check or coherence check.

SAP

Pronounced as the individual letters S, A, P, so write an SAP system, not a SAP system.

scale

Don't use scale alone to say that something is large or increasing. Include supporting words to indicate magnitude or direction of change in magnitude, whether scaling up or down, such as when you change a machine type to add or remove CPUs or RAM, or scaling out or in, such as adding or removing instances from a group.

Recommended: The system performs better at a larger scale.

Not recommended: The system performs better at scale.

Recommended: The system scales up quickly, but it scales down more slowly.

Not recommended: The system scales quickly.

screenshot (noun); not screen shot or screensnap

Don't use as a verb; instead, use take a screenshot.

scroll

OK to use scroll as a verb, but if possible, instead use a term that isn't specific to implementation. For example, write go to the section, instead of scroll to the section.

If you use scroll, don't use directional language like scroll up. For more information, see Accessibility.

Search (as part of product name)

Search Console

see

OK as a general term and when referring to links and cross-references. Our research indicates that language relating to sight is OK for a wide range of readers. For more information, see Link text and cross-references.

select

Use to describe choosing an item from among multiple options, selecting text, or marking a checkbox.

Recommended: Select Automatically check for updates.

Not recommended: Check Automatically check for updates.

service

It's OK to refer to Google products, such as Google Kubernetes Engine or Compute Engine, as services. However, if the term services leads to ambiguity, then use the product names.

service level agreement

Lowercase when referring to service level agreements in general. It's OK to use title case (Service Level Agreement) when referring to a specific document. OK to abbreviate as SLA after first use.

service level indicator

OK to abbreviate as SLI after first use.

service level objective

OK to abbreviate as SLO after first use.

setup (noun or adjective), set up (verb)

sexy

Don't use. Instead, use precise, positive words, such as fast, powerful, or elegant.

SHA-1

Not SHA1, except in string literals/enums and in hyphenated phrases such as HSA-SHA1.

shall

Avoid shall except under advice from a lawyer. For more information, see should.

she, her, hers

Don't use a gendered pronoun except for a specific individual of known gender. Use they and their for the general singular pronoun.

sherpa

If possible, use a more precise term. For example, if you mean guide, use that term.

shift left

In general, avoid using this term to mean moving something earlier in time. Instead, use a less figurative phrase, such as shift earlier or move to an earlier phase. This figurative term relies on the non-universal assumption that the natural flow is from left to right.

It's OK to use shift left and shift right in the context of binary multiplication and division.

should, should be

Generally avoid.

Because should is ambiguous by definition, it can be problematic. For example, if you're telling the reader what to do, should implies that the action is recommended but optional, leaving the reader unsure about what to do.

Clarify what you mean. Determine if an action is required versus optional, an outcome is expected versus possible, or a state is actual versus recommended.

An action is required. Use must, or rephrase the sentence so that it is a clear imperative instruction such as Do the following before you continue.
An action is recommended. Use We recommend... or Google recommends…. You can use should if a recommended action is generally recognized—for example, You should use a strong password…, or, You should follow the principle of least privilege....
An action is optional. Use can. For example, You can also use approach B to solve the same problem.
An outcome is expected. Describe the outcome in terms of what is expected. For example: The process returns 10 items.
An outcome is possible. Use might or can. For example, The process can take about 30 minutes.
A state is actual. When you're describing the state of something, such as the value of a variable, avoid writing The value should be true. Instead, clarify which of the following you mean:
- You must set the value to true.
- The server sets the value to true.
- If the value is false, follow these steps to change it to true.

See also can, could, may, might, must, and would. For more about clarifying who's doing what, see Active voice.

Recommended: Ensure that the Classroom Share Button conforms to our min-max size guidelines and related color/button templates.

Recommended: The column of the data table that the filter operates on.

Recommended: Whether it's a brand new project or an existing one, perform the following steps.

Not recommended: The Classroom Share Button should conform to our min-max size guidelines and related color/button templates.

Not recommended: The column of the data table that the filter should operate on.

Not recommended: Whether it's a brand new project or an existing one, here's what you should do.

sign-in (noun or adjective), sign in (verb); not log in or signin

sign into

Don't use. Instead, use sign in to.

sign-on, sign on

Don't use either form on its own. Use the hyphenated version as part of single sign-on.

sign-out (noun or adjective), sign out (verb); not log out or signout

simple, simply

What might be simple for you might not be simple for others. Try eliminating this word from the sentence because usually the same meaning can be conveyed without it.

since

If you mean because, then use because instead of since. Since is ambiguous; it can refer to the passage of time. Because refers to causation or the reason for something.

single most; not singlemost

single pane of glass

Avoid. This term is used to favorably compare a centralized control and monitoring interface against the alternative of several disparate interfaces. It can almost always be replaced by single interface or unified interface.

single sign-on (noun or adjective)

slave

Don't use. Instead, use alternative terms appropriate to your domain, such as worker or replica. If you are replacing the terms master and slave together, then consider such combinations as primary/secondary, primary/replica, original/replica, controller/worker, initiator/responder, mixer/leaf, aggregator/collector, publisher/subscriber, leader/follower, and active/standby.

If the command or code that you're documenting uses the literal word slave, then use this word only in direct reference to the code item (formatted as code), make it clear what you're referring to, and use the new term thereafter. For example, Invoke the secondary (slave) process directly when debugging issues between the primary and secondary processes.

See master.

slice and dice

Don't use the phrase slice and dice. Instead, use specific terms appropriate to the task at hand. Some possible options include: segment data for analysis, break information into smaller parts.

smartphone, smart phone

Don't use. Instead, use mobile phone or phone. If you're talking about more than phones, then use mobile device. It's OK to use phone (without mobile) when the context is clear.

soon

T

tab: When referring to the sub-pages of a console, use page instead of tab.
table name: Two words. Set specific table names in code font.
tablet: Tablet is OK. If you don't know whether it's a tablet or a phone, use device.
tag: See element.
tap: In Android documentation, use for on-screen and soft (capacitive) buttons. Use instead of click when the environment is definitely a touch device. For mechanical buttons, use press.; Use instead of touch. However, touch & hold (not touch and hold) is OK to use.
"tap & hold" or "tap and hold": In Android documentation, don't use. Instead, use touch & hold. (Not touch and hold.)
tarball: Don't use. Instead, use tar file.
tar file: Don't use a filename extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use tar file rather than .tar file. For details, see Referring to file types.
target: Avoid using as a verb when possible, especially in reference to people. For some readers, has aggressive connotations. Instead of "targeting" audiences, we try to attract them or appeal to them or make their lives easier. (Using it as an adjective, as in target audience, is probably fine.) Alternatives include terms such as intended for, looking for, focused on, and interacting with.
terminate: Avoid using as a synonym for stop. Instead, use words like stop, exit, cancel, or end.; For a specific context where you can use terminate as a synonym for stop, see Documenting command-line syntax.; In some contexts, such as telephony and networking, terminate has specific technical meanings that aren't synonyms for stop; in those contexts, you can use terminate.
text box, textbox: Don't use. Instead, use box. For more information, see Text box.; In Google Cloud documentation, use field instead of box. For example, In the Instance field, specify a value less than 64 characters long.
their (singular)
they (singular): This is our preferred gender-neutral pronoun. Whether used as singular or plural, it always takes the plural verb. For example, A user authenticates that they are who they say they are by entering their password. See also gender-neutral he.
this, that: Where possible, put a noun after this or that for clarity. If doing so results in clunky prose, then don't do it; but even then, try thinking about what the noun would be. If you aren't sure what noun this or that refers to, then consider rephrasing.
timeframe; not time frame: Avoid where possible, or use an alternative such as period, schedule, deadline, or when. But if you do use it, then write it without a space in the middle.
timeout (noun), time out (verb)
timestamp; not time stamp
time to live; not time-to-live: Abbreviate as TTL after first use.
time zone (noun), time-zone (adjective)
tl;dr
: Don't use. Instead, use something like To summarize, or revise the sentence.
toolkit; not tool-kit or tool kit
touch: In Android documentation, don't use. Instead, use tap. However, touch & hold is OK to use.
"touch & hold"; not touch and hold
touchscreen; not touch screen
traditional: If possible, use a more precise term.; Recommended: Conventionally, Python function names are lowercase, with words separated by underscores.; Not recommended: Traditionally, Python function names are lowercase, with words separated by underscores.; Recommended: This tutorial explains how to migrate from an on-premises data warehouse to BigQuery.; Not recommended: This tutorial explains how to migrate from a traditional data warehouse to BigQuery.
transpile; not transcompile
tribal knowledge, tribal wisdom: Don't use. Instead, use a less figurative term to indicate knowledge held by a group of people.
trojan: Lowercase when referring to malware.
turn on: In procedures, use the appropriate label and action for the UI element that the user interacts with.; For turning on or activating an option or feature, use turn on or enable consistently. Use the same term consistently throughout your document.; Recommended: To turn on Magic Mode, follow these steps.; Recommended: You can toggle Magic Mode in the Settings window.
tutorial: Okay to use. See documentation.
type: In general, use enter instead of type because there is typically more than one way to enter text than typing (such as pasting text or speaking).
typically: Use to describe what is usual or expected under normal circumstances. Don't use as the first word in a sentence, as doing so can leave the meaning open to misinterpretation.

U

UI: Don't use generically to refer to a page or dashboard. Use a more specific term like page or console.; Recommended: In the Google Cloud console; Recommended: On the Cloud Tasks page; Not recommended: In the Cloud Tasks UI
unarchive: Don't use. Instead, use extract.
uncheck: Don't use to refer to clearing a check mark from a checkbox. Instead, use clear.; Recommended: Clear Automatically check for updates.; Not recommended: Uncheck Automatically check for updates.; Not recommended: Deselect Automatically check for updates.
uncompress: Don't use. Instead, use extract.
under: Don't use for a range of version numbers. Instead, use earlier.; Don't use to refer to a position in the UI.; Recommended: In the Service account ID field, enter a name.; Recommended: For Service account ID, enter a name.; Not recommended: Under Service account ID, enter a name.
Unicode: Don't capitalize as UNICODE.
Unix-like
Unix epoch time: Use rather than Unix time or epoch time to refer to a point in time represented as a number of seconds since the Unix epoch (00:00:00 UTC on January 1, 1970), ignoring leap seconds.
unselect: Don't use. Instead, use clear for checkboxes, and deselect for other UI elements.
unsighted: Don't use. See blind.
untar: Don't use. Instead, use extract.
unzip: Don't use. Instead, use extract.
URL: All caps. Plural is URLs.; Write a URL rather than an URL, because the most common pronunciation starts with a consonant sound. For more information, see a and an.; For information about how to style URLs, see the Code in text page.
US: OK to use as an abbreviation for United States. Don't use U.S. or U.S.A. For more information, see Periods with abbreviations.
user: Use the word user only to refer to the user of the software that your reader is developing. Otherwise, address the reader as you and assume that they will complete the tasks that you're documenting.
user base; not userbase
username; not user name
using: Where using might have more than one interpretation, use by using to help clarify the logic of the sentence.; Recommended: You can filter for data with specific attributes by using custom filters.; Not recommended: You can filter for data with specific attributes using custom filters.

UTF

Include the hyphen in the names of Unicode encodings, such as UTF-8, UTF-16, and UTF-32.

utilize, utilization

Use with caution. Don't use utilize when you mean use. It's OK to use utilize or utilization when referring to the quantity of a resource being used.

Recommended: When CPU utilization exceeds 75%, the autoscaler adds more CPU resources.

Recommended: To distribute network traffic, use a load balancer.

Not recommended: To distribute network traffic, utilize a load balancer.

V

v (abbreviating version): Use lowercase.
via: Don't use.
vice versa: Don't use. Instead, use a phrase like the other way around, conversely, or otherwise. In some contexts, vice versa is unclear or imprecise because in a complex sentence it's hard to know which two things are swapped with each other. In such cases, make it explicitly clear what two things are swapped.
virtual machine (VM) instance: Use when first introducing virtual machines on a given page. For subsequent mentions, you can use VM instance or VM. See also GKE node.
visually challenged: See blind.
VLAN attachment: Don't use the following: interconnect attachment (VLAN), Interconnect attachment, Cloud Interconnect attachment, or any variation thereof. See also interconnectAttachment.
voila: Don't use.
voodoo: Don't use. Instead, use a term like mysterious, complicated, or nondeterministic.
vs.: Don't use vs. as an abbreviation for versus; instead, use the unabbreviated versus.

W

wake lock (noun), wake-lock (adjective)

walkthrough; not walk-through

war room, warroom, war-room

Don't use. Instead, use a more precise term to describe the activity or team. Depending on context, possible alternatives include rapid response team, situation response team, situation room, incident-management team, or media monitoring room.

warm

When possible, avoid jargon like warm failover, warm standby, and warm spare. If you use one of these phrases, define it on first use and use it consistently throughout the document.

web (lowercase)

web application firewall (lowercase)

webmaster, web master

Don't use. Instead, use a more precise term to describe the specific role, such as website owner, website administrator, web content manager, owner of a site.

web page; not webpage

But where possible, avoid both by using page.

web server; not webserver

website (lowercase w); not web site

whether

To decide whether it's more appropriate to use if or whether, see Grammar Girl's discussion of if and whether.
To decide whether you need to add or not when using whether, see the New York Times's blog post about whether (or not).

while

Don't use to indicate a contrast. Instead, use a more precise term, such as although. OK to use to refer to a period of time.

white-box

Avoid using white-box, whitebox, or white box to describe monitoring and testing. Consider using a more precise term for clarity.

For monitoring, use introspective monitoring.
For testing, use clear-box testing.

white glove, white-glove, whiteglove

Avoid using. Instead use terms like high-touch, premium, or platinum-level.

whitehat, white hat, white-hat

Don't use. Instead, use precise terms for the kind of compliance, such as legal, ethical, or following the rules.

white label, whitelabel, white-label

Don't use. Instead, use a more precise term for your context, such as unbranded, unlabeled, or blank label.

whitelist, white list, white-list

Don't use. See blacklist.

whitelisted, white listed, white-listed

Don't use. See blacklist.

whitelisting, white listing, white-listing

Don't use. See blacklist.

whitespace; not white space

Wi-Fi; not wifi or WiFi

When possible, instead use wireless.

wildcard; not wild card

will

Avoid. Applies equally to its past tense, would. See also Present tense and Documenting future features.

wish

Don't use. Instead, use a word like want or need.

with

Don't use with when expressing ownership:

Recommended: A handset that has 2 GB of RAM.

Not recommended: A handset with 2 GB of RAM.

Don't use with when expressing use:

Recommended: Use the debugging tool to debug.

Not recommended: Debug this tool with the debugging tool.

World Wide Web

Don't use. Instead, use web.

would

Avoid using. Instead, use can where possible.

See also can, could, may, might, must, and should. For more about clarifying who's doing what, see Active voice. For more information about tenses, see Present tense.

Y

YAML: Don't use a filename extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use YAML file rather than .yaml file. For details, see Referring to file types.
ymmv: Don't use. Instead, use something like Your results might vary.

Z

zip: Don't use a filename extension to refer to a type of file. For example, use zip file rather than .zip file. For details, see Referring to file types.
zippy: Don't use to refer to expander arrows, unless you're specifically referring to the Zippy widget in Closure.