English (UK) Style Guide

Published: June, 2017

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide

Contents
1 About this style guide ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Recommended style references .............................................................................................. 4
2 Microsoft voice ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Consistency ..................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice ...................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Word choice ........................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Words and phrases to avoid ............................................................................................ 7
2.3 Sample Microsoft voice text ..................................................................................................... 8
2.3.1 Address the user to take action ...................................................................................... 8
2.3.2 Promote a feature ................................................................................................................ 9
2.3.3 Provide how-to guidelines.............................................................................................. 10
2.3.4 Explanatory text and support ........................................................................................ 10
3 Language-specific standards .......................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards ................................................................ 11
3.1.1 Abbreviations....................................................................................................................... 11
3.1.2 Acronyms .............................................................................................................................. 11
3.1.3 Adjectives .............................................................................................................................. 12
3.1.4 Capitalization ....................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.5 Compounds .......................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.6 Conjunctions ........................................................................................................................ 14
3.1.7 Contractions ......................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.8 Gender.................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1.9 Genitive .................................................................................................................................. 15
3.1.10 Lexicon ................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1.11 Localizing colloquialism, idioms, and metaphors................................................... 19
3.1.12 Nouns ..................................................................................................................................... 20
3.1.13 Numbers ................................................................................................................................ 20
3.1.14 Prepositions.......................................................................................................................... 20
3.1.15 Pronouns ............................................................................................................................... 21

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 2 of 42

 3.1.16 Punctuation .......................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.17 Apostrophes ......................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.18 Exclamation marks ............................................................................................................. 26
3.1.19 Sentence fragments .......................................................................................................... 27
3.1.20 Split infinitive ....................................................................................................................... 28
3.1.21 Subjunctive ........................................................................................................................... 28
3.1.22 Symbols & nonbreaking spaces ................................................................................... 28
3.1.23 Verbs ....................................................................................................................................... 29
4 Localization considerations ............................................................................................................. 29
4.1 Accessibility .................................................................................................................................. 29
4.2 Applications, products, and features ................................................................................... 30
4.3 Trademarks ................................................................................................................................... 30
4.4 Geopolitical concerns................................................................................................................ 30
4.5 Software considerations........................................................................................................... 31
4.5.1 Error messages .................................................................................................................... 31
4.5.2 Keys ......................................................................................................................................... 33
4.5.3 Keyboard shortcuts/аccess keys ................................................................................... 33
4.5.4 Arrow keys ............................................................................................................................ 34
4.5.5 Numeric keypad ................................................................................................................. 35
4.5.6 Shortcut keys ....................................................................................................................... 35
4.5.7 Lists.......................................................................................................................................... 38
4.5.8 English pronunciation ....................................................................................................... 39
4.6 Vocabulary .................................................................................................................................... 40
4.7 Localizing URLs............................................................................................................................ 41

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 3 of 42

1 About this style guide
This style guide is intended for the localization professional working on localized
products that run on a Microsoft platform. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive
coverage of all localization practices, but to highlight areas where Microsoft has specific
preferences or deviates from standard practices for UK English localization.

The primary goal of this guide is to help you understand and learn how to address all of
the necessary linguistic and stylistic nuances of UK English during the localization of
your products and services.

The style guide covers guidelines and recommendations for translating the Microsoft
voice into UK English including words, grammatical structures, the needs of the
audience, and the intent of the text that are to be considered. Each of these areas is
supplemented with samples.

Other language considerations covered in this style guide are accessibility, trademarks,
geopolitical concerns and specific software considerations.

We welcome your feedback, questions and concerns regarding the style guide.
Please send your feedback via Microsoft Language Portal.

1.1 Recommended style references

Unless this style guide or the Microsoft Language Portal provides alternative instructions,
use the orthography, grammar, and terminology in the following publications:

Normative references

When more than one solution is allowed in these sources, look for the recommended
one in other sections of the style guide.

1. The Oxford English dictionary (http://www.oed.com/)

2. Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)
3. DictionaryReference.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/)
4. Legal Dictionary (http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/)

Microsoft User interface reference

A helpful reference is the Windows User Experience Interaction Guidelines.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 4 of 42

2 Microsoft voice
Microsoft’s brand personality comes through in our voice and tone—what we say and
how we say it. The design of Microsoft products, services, and experiences hinges on
crisp simplicity.
Three principles form the foundation of our voice:
• Warm and relaxed: We’re natural. Less formal, more grounded in honest
conversations. Occasionally, we’re fun. (We know when to celebrate.)
• Crisp and clear: We’re to the point. We write for scanning first, reading second.
We make it simple above all.
• Ready to lend a hand: We show customers we’re on their side. We anticipate
their real needs and offer great information at just the right time.

The Microsoft voice targets a broad set of users from technology enthusiasts and casual
computer users. Although content might be different for different audiences, the
principles of Microsoft voice are the same. However, Microsoft voice also means keeping
the audience in mind. Choose the right words for the audience: use technical terms for
technical audiences, but for consumers use common words and phrases instead.
The key elements of Microsoft voice should extend across Microsoft content for
all language locales. For each language, the specific choices in style and tone that
produce Microsoft voice are different. The following guidelines are relevant for
US English as well as many other languages.

Guidelines

Keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Write short, easy-to-read sentences.
• Avoid passive voice—it’s difficult to read and understand quickly.
• Be pleasant and ensure that explanations appear individualized.
• Avoid slang and be careful with colloquialisms—it’s acceptable to reassure and
connect with customers in a conversational tone, but be professional in doing so.

2.1 Consistency
Consistency in the Microsoft voice is vital. The more consistent it’s, the more likely
that people will understand what makes the company and its products so special.
The way that the various brands express themselves has to be consistent so that people
trust and respect the company.
Consistency does not only apply to tone of voice, but to the use of style, terminology
and formatting.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 5 of 42

2.2 Choices that reflect Microsoft voice
Translating UK English in a way that reflects Microsoft voice means choosing words and
grammatical structures that reflect the same style as the source text. It also means
considering the needs of the audience and the intent of the text.

The general style should be clear, friendly and concise. Use language that resembles
conversation observed in everyday settings as opposed to the formal, technical
language that’s often used for technical and commercial content.

When you’re localizing source text written in Microsoft voice, feel free to choose words
that aren’t standard translations if you think that’s the best way to stay true to the
intent of the source text.

Because Microsoft voice means a more conversational style, literally translating the
source text may produce target text that’s not relevant to customers. To guide your
translation, consider the intent of the text and what the customer needs to know to
successfully complete the task.

2.2.1 Word choice

Terminology

Use terminology from the Microsoft Language Portal where applicable, for example key
terms, technical terms, and product names.

Short word forms and everyday words

Microsoft voice text written in English prefers short, simple words spoken in everyday
conversations. In English, shorter words are friendlier and less formal. Short words also
save space on screen and are easier to read quickly. Precise, well-chosen words add
clarity, but it’s important to be intentional about using everyday words that customers
are accustomed to.
The following table lists some common words that are used for Microsoft voice in UK English.

en-GB word en-GB word usage

App Use app instead of application or program.

Use pick in more fun, less formal or lightweight situations ("pick a color," not
Pick, choose "choose a color") and choose for more formal situations (don’t use select
unless necessary for the UI).

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 6 of 42

 For general reference to any drive type (hard drive, CD drive, external hard
Drive
drive, etc.). Use specific drive type if necessary.

Fine to use as a synonym for "obtain" or "come into possession of" but
Get
should be avoided for other general meanings.

Use in most situations unless “information” better fits the context. Use “info”
Info
when you point the reader elsewhere ("for more info, see <link>").

Use for personal computing devices. Use computer for situations about PCs
PC
and Macs. Don’t switch between PC and computer.

Address the user as you, directly or indirectly through the use of first- and
second-person pronouns like "you." Avoid third-person references, such as
You "user," as they sound formal and impersonal.
For information on localizing you, see the section Pronouns.

2.2.2 Words and phrases to avoid

Microsoft voice avoids an unnecessarily formal tone. The following table lists English words
that add formality without adding meaning, along with more common equivalents.

en-US word/phrase to avoid Preferred en-GB word/phrase

Achieve Do

As well as Also, too

Attempt Try

Configure Set up

Encounter Meet

Execute Run

Halt Stop

Have an opportunity Can

However But

Give/provide guidance, give/provide information Help

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 In addition Also

In conjunction with With

Locate Find

Make a recommendation Recommend

Modify Change

Navigate Go

Obtain Get

Perform Do

Purchase Buy

Refer to See

Resolve Fix

Subsequent Next

Suitable Works well

Terminate End

Toggle Switch

Utilize Use

2.3 Sample Microsoft voice text

The source and target phrase samples in the following sections illustrate the intent of
the Microsoft voice.

2.3.1 Address the user to take action

US English UK English target Explanation

The user has entered an

The password isn’t correct, The password isn’t correct,
incorrect password so provide
so please try again. so please try again.
the user with a short and friendly
Passwords are case- Passwords are case
message with the action to try
sensitive. sensitive.
again.

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 The user has entered an incorrect
This product key didn’t This product key didn’t
product key. The message
work. Please check it and work. Please check it and
casually and politely asks the
try again. try again.
user to check it and try again.

Casual and short message to

All ready to go All ready to go inform user that setup is finished,
the system is now ready for use.

Use of the second person

Would you like to Would you like to pronoun "you" to politely ask the
continue? continue? user if they would like to
continue.

Give your PC a name – any

Give your PC a name—any
name you’d like. If you
name you want. If you want Address the user directly using
want to change the
to change the background the second person pronoun to
background colour, turn
color, turn high contrast off take the necessary action.
high contrast off in PC
in PC settings.
settings.

2.3.2 Promote a feature

US English UK English target Explanation

Picture password is a new Promoting a specific feature

Picture password is a new way
way to help you protect with the use of em-dash to
to help you protect your
your touchscreen PC. You emphasis the specific
touchscreen PC. You choose the
choose the picture – and requirements to enable the
picture—and the gestures you
the gestures you use with it feature which in this
use with it—to create a
– to create a password situation is picture
password that’s uniquely yours.
that’s uniquely yours. password.

Promoting the use of apps.

Let apps give you Let apps give you
personalized content based on personalised content based Depending on the context
your PC’s location, name, on your PC’s location, of the string you can add
account picture, and other name, account picture and familiarity to the text by
domain info. other domain info. using everyday words, for
example, PC.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 9 of 42

2.3.3 Provide how-to guidelines

US English UK English target Explanation

To go back and save your To go back and save your

Short and clear action using
work, click Cancel and finish work, click Cancel and finish
the second person pronoun.
what you need to. what you need to do.

To confirm your current Voice is simple and natural.

To confirm your current
picture password, just The user isn’t overloaded
picture password, just watch the
watch the replay and trace with information; we tell
replay and trace the example
the example gestures them only what they need
gestures shown on your picture.
shown on your picture. to know to make a decision.

2.3.4 Explanatory text and support

US English UK English target Explanation

The updates are installed, The language is natural, the

The updates are installed,
but Windows 10 Setup way people talk. In this case
but Windows 10 Setup needs
needs to restart for them to voice is reassuring, letting the
to restart for them to work.
work. After it restarts, user know that we’re doing
After it restarts, we’ll keep
we’ll keep going from the work. Use of "we" provides
going from where we left off.
where we left off. a more personal feel.

If you restart now, you and

If you restart now, you and Voice is clear and natural
any other people using this
any other people using this PC informing the user what will
PC could lose unsaved
could lose unsaved work. happen if this action is taken.
work.

This document will This document will be

be automatically moved to the automatically moved to the Voice talks to the user
right library and folder after right library and folder after informatively and directly on
you correct invalid or missing you correct invalid or the action that will be taken.
properties. missing properties.

Something bad happened!

Something bad happened! Let the user know what has
Unable to locate
Unable to locate downloaded happened in an easy to
downloaded files to create
files to create your bootable understand manner and
your bootable USB flash
USB flash drive. using short sentences.
drive.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 10 of 42

3 Language-specific standards
Information about UK English specific standards, such as phone number formats, date
formats, currency formats, and measurement units are available from the GoGlobal
Developer Center.

3.1 Grammar, syntax and orthographic standards

This section includes information on how to apply the general language and syntax rules
to Microsoft products, online content, and documentation.

3.1.1 Abbreviations

You might need to abbreviate some words in the UI (mainly buttons or options names)
due to lack of space. Generally speaking, for UK English, it’s advisable to follow the
source when abbreviations have been used.

Make sure that the abbreviation is clear and will be easily understood in the context.
Where possible, use standard abbreviations such as those provided in the list of
common abbreviations below.

List of common abbreviations:

Expression Acceptable abbreviation

Article Art.

Chapter Chap.

Example e.g.

Hour h

Minute min

Number N°, no.

3.1.2 Acronyms
Acronyms are words made up of the initial letters of major parts of a compound term.
Common examples are WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), DNS (Domain Name
Server), and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language).

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 11 of 42

Localized acronyms

Most acronyms that appear are international and will be understood by UK English
users. Where a local body is being referred to, either to describe local laws or as
an illustration, an appropriate alternative should be found to avoid confusion.

US English source UK English target

ED (US Department of Education) DfE (UK Department for Education)

Unlocalized acronyms

Where it’s necessary to retain the US acronym (and where that acronym is likely to be
unfamiliar to UK-based users), the full form can be used the first time this appears (with
the acronym in brackets), with the acronym being used on all subsequent occurrences
within that page.

US English source UK English target

EPA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

3.1.3 Adjectives
In UK English, handle adjectives in the following manner.

Adjectives are treated the same way as in US English, except for compound adjectives,
which are often left unhyphenated in US English, but almost always require hyphenation
in UK English.

US English source UK English target

part time worker part-time worker

Possessive adjectives

The frequent use of possessives is a feature of the English language. They should be
considered as alternatives for definite and indefinite articles to make the text seem more
natural and flow better.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 12 of 42

3.1.4 Capitalization

Capitalization following a colon

Always use lowercase after a colon within a sentence, except if the colon introduces
a direct quotation or if the first word after the colon is a proper noun.

After words like "Note:" or "Important" start the next sentence with a capital letter.

(-) (+)

Important: you must add sales tax to any Important: You must add sales tax to any
orders you ship to states where you have a orders you ship to states where you have a
physical store presence. physical store presence.

Capitalization in titles, headings and subheadings

In UK English, only the first letter of a title, heading or sub-heading is capitalized (except
proper nouns, names and acronyms, per standard convention).

Examples:

Universal declaration of the rights of man

The curious case of Benjamin Button
Section III: Import excises

Capitalization in UI labels

Menu titles and items, push buttons, toolbar item labels and labels that are not full
sentences (for example, group box or list headings) should be capitalized as per the source.

3.1.5 Compounds

Compounds should be understandable and clear to the user. Avoid overly long or
complex compounds. Keep in mind that unintuitive compounds can cause intelligibility
and usability issues.

• Don’t hyphenate compounds that are commonly accepted as one word in English.

Examples: website, toolbar, microchip.

• Hyphenate two or more words that collectively modify a noun, especially if

not hyphenating them could confuse the user.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 13 of 42

Examples: read-only memory, bottom left-hand corner, built-in drive.

• Hyphenate two words that modify a noun if one of the words is a past or
present participle.

Examples: copy-protected disk, free-moving graphics.

• Hyphenate two or more words that modify a noun if one of the modifiers is a
number or a single letter.

Examples: eight-sided polygon, 16-bit bus, I-beam insertion point.

• Try to avoid suspended compound adjectives.

Example, don’t write: first- and second-generation computers.

• If space allows, use the second modifier twice, for example: first-generation and
second-generation computers.

3.1.6 Conjunctions

For en-US Microsoft voice, conjunctions can help convey a conversational tone. Starting
a sentence with a conjunction can be used to convey an informal tone and style.

The same is applicable for UK English.

US/UK English use of conjunctions in

US/ UK English classic use of conjunctions
Microsoft voice

As <product> gains features, there is a risk that Because of these features, older content
older content may not display correctly. may not display correctly.

3.1.7 Contractions

For US English Microsoft voice, contractions help to convey a conversational tone, and
used whenever possible.

US English long form US English contracted form

Do not Don’t

This also applies to UK English Microsoft voice. Some more examples:

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 14 of 42

 UK English long form UK English contracted form

Cannot Can’t

It will It’ll

Would have Would’ve

They would They’d

3.1.8 Gender

Grammatical gender is treated the same way as in US English.

3.1.9 Genitive
Don’t attach a possessive "-‘s" to product/service names or trademarks as this could be
interpreted as a modification of these names. If a possessive is necessary, use an "of
construction" or use the trademark as an adjective.

3.1.10 Lexicon

Lexicon is a tool that enables automation of changes in orthographic conventions.

Application of the Lexicon

The Lexicon is a list of terms that are automatically replaced and/or marked up in US-En
source files. It’s used at the very beginning of the project. After the Lexicon has been
applied to the source files, a proof-reader has to review the strings to ensure all
replacements were made properly and there are no flaws resulting from tricky word
pairs. At the same time, the reviewer is performing other changes that need to be done
to adapt the US-En to UK-En.

Replacements performed by the Lexicon

The Lexicon performs both spelling changes and word replacements. See examples below.

Spelling

Type of change US English UK English

hyphenation antialiasing anti-aliasing

e-mail email

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 15 of 42

 cohosting co-hosting

word separation anymore any more

-l/-ll labeled labelled

-ize and -ise localize localise

-yze and -yse analyze analyse

-or and -our watercolor watercolour

-er and -re center centre

milliliter millilitre

air- and aer- airfoil aerofoil

(but not airport)

-e- and -ae- anesthesiologist anaesthesiologist

-ey and -y flakey flaky

-a- and -au- balk baulk

-aly and -ally basicaly basically

-i- and -y- cipher cypher

-e and -é coupe Coupé

The spelling replacements are made in all forms of the word:

US English UK English

localize localise

localized localised

localizes localises

localizing localising

localizing's localising's

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 16 of 42

 watercolor watercolour

watercolors watercolours

watercolors' watercolours'

watercolor's watercolour's

Word substitutions:

US English UK English

parenthed bracketed

roughhewed rough-hewn

buddy mate

Zip code postcode

Tricky issues:

US English UK English Comment

program program computer program

programme TV programme

fall autumn season

to fall verb

meter meter device

metre unit

draft draught of wind, or beer

draft of a document

Location of the Lexicon

The Location of the Lexicon is project-dependent.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 17 of 42

Lexicon Windows specific information

The ENGB Transformation tool containing Lexicon was used for Windows. Below is a
sample text before and after the tool application and human editing. Contact project
manager for more details on the Transformation tool and Lexicon used.

Sample text:

US English After Application of the Lexicon

Filter Keys lets you personalize the keyboard Filter Keys lets you personalise the keyboard so
ignore unintended keystrokes. To turn it on it will ignore unintended keystrokes. To turn it
hold down the shift key for 8 seconds. on press and hold down the shift key for 8
seconds.

Choose our recommended settings to take Choose our recommended settings to take
care of these things in one click. It's OK if care of these things in one click. It's OK if you
you want to customize them now, but it will want to customise them now, but it will take a
take a little longer. little longer.

Allows you to sign up for a brand new e- Allows you to sign up for a brand new email
mail account. account.

Add a TV tuner and record your favorite TV Add a TV tuner and record your favourite TV
shows to watch whenever you want. shows to watch whenever you want.

aliasing; anti alias; anti aliasing; antialias; aliasing; anti alias; anti aliasing; anti-alias; anti-
anti-alias; antialiasing; anti-aliasing; clear alias; anti-aliasing; anti-aliasing; clear type;
type; cleartype; text; words; menus; dialogs; cleartype; text; words; menus; dialogs; buttons;
buttons; labels; messages; writing; ui labels; messages; writing; ui language;
language; Note: This would need to be reverted back as
the keywords already contain both hyphenated
and unhyphenated version.

Lexicon Windows Services specific information

The ENGB Transformation tool containing Lexicon was used for Windows Services.
Below is a sample text before and after the tool application and human editing. Contact
Windows IPM for more details on the Transformation tool and Lexicon used.

Sample text:

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 18 of 42

 US English After Application of the Lexicon

Post your favorite photos and videos Post your favourite photos and videos online and
online and create beautiful slide shows create beautiful slide shows you can share with the
you can share with the people you people you choose.
choose.

Whether you’re opening a video or Whether you’re opening a video or searching for
searching for an e-mail, the new an email, the new Hotmail is faster than ever.
Hotmail is faster than ever. Performance improvements mean you can zoom
Performance improvements mean you through your inbox, giving you more time to get
can zoom through your inbox, giving other stuff done.
you more time to get other stuff done.

Import photos from your camera, Import photos from your camera, organise them
organize them into albums and edit into albums and edit them so they look their best.
them so they look their best. Use Use powerful photo tools to create stunning
powerful photo tools to create stunning panoramas, films, slide shows and more. When
panoramas, movies, slide shows and you're ready to share, publish your photos and
more. When you're ready to share, videos to your favourite websites like Facebook
publish your photos and videos to your and Flickr directly from Photo Gallery. -For software
favorite websites like Facebook and such as MovieMaker (product name not adapted),
Flickr directly from Photo Gallery. movie is used throughout the text, to ensure
consistency.

Bring your team, club, or other group Bring your team, club, or other group together with
together with a webpage, calendar, a webpage, calendar, personalised email address,
personalized e-mail address, and more. and more.

The Guide provides TV program listings The Guide provides TV programme listings to help
to help you find, watch, and record TV you find, watch, and record TV shows. If you use the
shows. If you use the Guide, Guide, information to improve the quality and
information to improve the quality and accuracy of the service will be sent to Microsoft. The
accuracy of the service will be sent to information is not used to identify or contact you.
Microsoft. The information is not used Note: This has occasionally been wrongly auto-
to identify or contact you. corrected in URLs, where it’s obviously harder to spot.

3.1.11 Localizing colloquialism, idioms, and metaphors

The Microsoft voice allows for the use of culture-centric colloquialisms, idioms and
metaphors (collectively referred to "colloquialism").
Choose from these options to express the intent of the source text appropriately.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 19 of 42

 • Don’t attempt to replace the source colloquialism with a UK English colloquialism
that fits the same meaning of the particular context unless it’s a perfect and
natural fit for that context.
• Translate the intended meaning of the colloquialism in the source text (not the
literal translation of the original colloquialism in the source text), but only if the
colloquialism’s meaning is an integral part of the text that can’t be omitted.
• If the colloquialism can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the text, omit it.

3.1.12 Nouns

General considerations

Nouns are treated the same way in UK English.

Plural formation

UK English still retains more irregular plurals than US English does, and these should be
considered when adapting text. For example: learnt.

3.1.13 Numbers
This topic includes guidelines when to use numerals (symbol that represents a number.
for example, 1, 2, 3, 234, etc.) and when to spell out numbers (one, two, three, two
hundred and thirty-four) and other aspects for the particular language.
In English (UK) numbers from 1 to 9 are written out in letters, numbers above nine are
shown as numerals.
Numbers below zero should follow the same general rules as those above zero (“two
microseconds”, “20 microseconds”). When there is a mix of numbers below and above
nine, and used in the same context, use numerals.

3.1.14 Prepositions

Pay attention to the correct use of the preposition in adaptation.

Examples:

US English source text expression UK English expression Comment

Through is never used in

Monday through Wednesday Monday to Wednesday
UK English in this sense.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 20 of 42

 Finish up Finish

Waiting on Waiting for

For the Microsoft voice, use of prepositions is another way to help convey a casual or
conversational tone. Starting or ending a sentence with a preposition is acceptable
practice in conveying Microsoft voice.

Classic English preposition usage (both Microsoft voice English usage (both
US/UK English) US/UK English)

Developers can go to the application Developers can go to the application

management site to find the apps for which management site to find the apps they are
they are looking. looking for.

The person to whom you were speaking. The person you were speaking to.

3.1.15 Pronouns

Pronouns are treated the same way as in US English.

3.1.16 Punctuation

Note that punctuation, particularly comma usage, is one of the areas where UK English
can differ greatly from US English. Follow UK English conventions.

Don’t add punctuation marks in labels.

3.1.17 Apostrophes

Apostrophes should never be used to indicate a plural (for example, DVDs, CVs, 1950s,
to-dos).

For nouns ending in s, use –s’s, for example, Niklas’s

Bulleted lists

Bulleted lists tend to be treated the same way as in US English.

Comma

Commas before the conjunctions "and" and "or"

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 21 of 42

There should be no comma before the final "and" in a list-type construction:

US English source text UK English target text

Check for available updates to the Software, Check for available updates to the Software,
such as bug fixes, patches, and enhanced such as bug fixes, patches and enhanced
functions. functions.

There should be no comma before the final "or" in a list-type construction:

US English source text UK English target text

Check for available updates to the Software, Check for available updates to the Software,
such as bugfixes, patches, or enhanced such as bug fixes, patches or enhanced
functions. functions.

Note that it’s perfectly acceptable and indeed necessary in some cases, to have a
comma before "and" or "or" when it’s used to break up two separate but related clauses:

US English source text UK English target text

On Google Maps, your ad can appear right on On Google Maps, your ad can appear
the map, and you can pick a special icon directly on the map, and you can pick a
related to your business. special icon related to your business.

Use of commas with the conjunction "but"

In keeping with standard UK English grammar rules, "but" should not be preceded by
a comma, as it serves as a conjunction between clauses. This is not usually the case in
US English.

US English source text UK English target text

This user will be able to see your photos This user will be able to see your photos and
and documents on SkyDrive, but can't make documents on SkyDrive but won't be able to
changes to them. make changes to them.

However, where these two clauses form independent sentences, a comma should be inserted

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 22 of 42

 US English source text UK English target text

You can't turn on contact management for You can't turn on contact management for
this child, but you'll still be able to manage this child, but you'll still be able to manage
contacts for accounts that already have it contacts for accounts that already have it
turned on. turned on.

Commas before and after "etc." and "i.e."

Note that there is no comma before "etc." in UK English:

US English source text UK English target text

Select the "Date Range" for your report by Select the "Date Range" for your report by
clicking the pull-down menu and choosing clicking the pull-down menu and choosing
the time span (i.e., "Last seven days," "Last the time span (i.e. "Last seven days", "Last
thirty days," etc.). thirty days" etc.).

The same applies to commas after "i.e.":

US English source text UK English target text

Select the "Date Range" for your report by Select the "Date Range" for your report by
clicking the pull-down menu and choosing clicking the pull-down menu and choosing
the time span (i.e., "Last seven days," "Last the time span (i.e. "Last seven days", "Last
thirty days," etc.). thirty days" etc.).

Colon

Use colons to indicate a list or introduce a point.

Dashes and hyphens

Three different dash characters are used in English:

Hyphen

The hyphen is used to divide words between syllables, to link parts of a compound
word, and to connect the parts of an inverted or imperative verb form.

It should also be used with the following prefixes: pre-, re- and un-.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 23 of 42

Use re- (with a hyphen) when followed by the vowels e or u (not pronounced as "yu"):
for example, re-entry, re-examine, re-urge.

Use re (no hyphen) when followed by the vowels a, i, o or u (pronounced as "yu"), or any
consonant: for example, rearm, rearrange, reassemble, reiterate, reorder, reread, reuse,
rebuild, reconsider, retweet.

Exceptions (where confusion with another word would arise): re-cover/recover, re-
creation/recreation, re-form/reform, re-sent/resent, re-sign/resign.
Pre-, re- and un- are often hyphenated in neologisms, but where a word has entered the
lexicon, this prefix is generally concatenated (not always in the case of pre-), except for
in the above-described cases.
Use hyphen in cases where compound modifiers precede the noun, for example, "third-
party solutions," "on a case-by-case basis."
Retain this hyphen and use it if required even if doesn't appear in the source text.

Examples:

(-) (+)

Keyword related ads Keyword-related ads

Campaign tracking variables Campaign-tracking variables

Manager Defined Spend Manager-Defined Spend

Note that hyphens are not used in the following cases:

1. When the compound modifier comes after the noun

Example:

(-) (+)

The file is up-to-date The file is up to date

1. In adjectival compounds beginning with adverbs ending in -ly

Examples:

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 24 of 42

 (-) (+)

Don’t disclose any personally-identifying Don’t disclose any personally identifying

information information

This page lets you monitor your contextually- This page lets you monitor your contextually
targeted campaigns targeted campaign

One last difference regarding UK English hyphen usage occurs when a word is too long
to fit on the end of one line. In this case they should appear at morphological breaks,
unlike US English which allows for them at syllable breaks. Compare:

US English UK English

buil- build-
ding ing

En dash

The en dash is used as a minus sign, usually with spaces before and after. The en dash is
also used in number ranges, such as those specifying page numbers. No spaces are
used around the en dash in this case. The use of "m" dashes is more common in US
English than it’s in UK English. UK English tends to favor "n" dashes.

(-) (+)

This is an example — and must be taken into This is an example – and must be taken into
account — when localizing into UK English. account – when localising into UK English.

In some cases, US English uses two "n-dashes" one after the other. Again this is not
common in UK English, which tends to favor a single "n" dash:

(-) (+)

This is an example -- and must be taken into This is an example – and must be taken into
account -- when localizing into UK English. account – when localising into UK English.

Em dash

The em dash should only be used to emphasize an isolated element or introduce

an element that’s not essential to the meaning conveyed by the sentence.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 25 of 42

Example:

An em dash is not the most important punctuation mark—it’s main use being for
making asides.

Ellipses (suspension points)

Ellipses are generally to be avoided in UK English. Where they are used, there should be
no space between them and the preceding word, then a space before a following word
(if appropriate).

Example:

UK English target

When you need to create suspense... ellipses can help!

3.1.18 Exclamation marks

Exclamation marks should be avoided, especially in UI strings.

Period/full stop

Full stop and brackets

If the text within the bracket is merely part of a sentence, place the full stop after the
closing bracket.

(-) (+)

Your keyword status, listed beside every Your keyword status, listed beside every
keyword in your account, tells you whether or keyword in your account, tells you whether or
not your keyword is triggering ads on Google not your keyword is triggering ads on Google
and other search pages (if you have opted in and other search pages (if you have opted in
to the search network.) to the search network).

However, if the bracket contains an entire sentence from start to finish, place the full
stop directly after the last word, that’s, before the closing bracket.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 26 of 42

Quotation marks/inverted commas

Traditionally, inverted commas (‘ ‘) were used in UK English where quotation marks (“ “)

would be used in US English. However, modern UK English usage tends to favor
quotation marks as well.
In US English, the punctuation mark goes inside the quotation marks, but in UK English
it goes outside:

US English source text UK English target text

Click "Edit Profile." Click "Edit Profile".

Once you select on "Play these back-to- Once you select on "Play these back-to-
back", the videos will populate your "Playlist" back", the videos will populate your "Playlist"

Note that this change applies to both single and double quotation marks.

Exception: direct speech

When reporting direct speech, the comma needs to go inside the quotation mark for
UK English, just as it does for US English:

US English source text UK English target text

"This makes French research more visible in "This makes French research more visible in
foreign countries," said John. foreign countries," said John.

Additionally, in US source strings you may find software references surrounded by

English quotation marks. When these quotation marks are used to define a term which
may be understood otherwise (for example, a "line" in code), then they should be
replaced with inverted commas per standard UK English usage.
Parentheses/brackets

In English, there is no space between the parentheses and the text inside them.

3.1.19 Sentence fragments

For the Microsoft voice, the use of sentence fragments helps convey a conversational
tone. They are used whenever possible as they are short and to the point.

The same is applicable for UK English.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 27 of 42

 US English and UK English
US English source text UK English long form
sentence fragment

Use the following steps to Use the following steps to Need to print a document?
print a document. print a document. Here’s how.

3.1.20 Split infinitive

In both UK and US English the split infinitive was traditionally avoided and even frowned
upon in formal written language. However, more recently it has become an accepted
stylistic feature which often sounds more idiomatic than the "correct" version. If it
sounds more idiomatic with the infinitive split, then leave it.

Example:

UK English target

To boldly go where no man has gone before!

3.1.21 Subjunctive
The use of the subjunctive in UK English has become increasingly less common in recent
years as it sounds old-fashioned and can make the reader stumble or create confusion.
Where it was once simply incorrect to use the indicative in certain constructions such as
"if I were/was to" or "I wish it were/was true," both are now common and equally correct.
The subjunctive is still necessary in certain slightly antiquated constructions and set
phrases such as "be that as it may" or "were it not for" or "whether it be." It’s probably
best to try and avoid using these altogether as they tend to give a pompous or pedantic
air to the text.

3.1.22 Symbols & nonbreaking spaces

Nonbreaking spaces should be used between numbers and units so that they are not
separated by line breaks (for example, 60 ml, 100 mph).

Additionally, # (the hash sign) is not commonly used in UK English as a short form for
"number." This should be replaced with either "no./N°" or "number."

US English source UK English target

#586 No. 586

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 28 of 42

3.1.23 Verbs

For US English Microsoft voice, verb tense helps to convey the clarity of Microsoft voice.
Simple tenses are used. The easiest tense to understand is the simple present, like we
use in this guide. Avoid future tense unless you’re describing something that will really
happen in the future and the simple present tense is inapplicable. Use simple past tense
when you describe events that have already happened.

The same is applicable in UK English.

UK English use of verb tense

US English source text (classic)
(Microsoft voice)

After you’re finished installing the tool, the After you finish installing the tool, the icon
icon will appear on your desktop. ["are appears on your desktop. ["finish" is in simple
finished" is in present perfect tense] present tense]

Don’t use brand names as verbs, for example: Skype your friends or Send a Qik.

4 Localization considerations
Localization means that the translated text needs to be adapted to the local language,
customs and standards.

The language in Microsoft products should have the "look and feel" of a product
originally written in UK English, using idiomatic syntax and terminology, while at the
same time maintaining a high level of terminological consistency, so as to guarantee the
maximum user experience and usability for our customers.

4.1 Accessibility

Accessibility options and programs are designed to make the computer usable by
people with cognitive, hearing, physical, or visual disabilities.

Hardware and software components engage a flexible, customizable user interface,

alternative input and output methods, and greater exposure of screen elements.

General accessibility information can be found at https://www.microsoft.com/en-

us/accessibility/.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 29 of 42

4.2 Applications, products, and features

Product and application names are often trademarked or may be trademarked in the
future and are therefore rarely translated. Occasionally, feature names are trademarked,
too (for example, IntelliSense™). Before translating any application, product, or feature
name, verify that it’s in fact translatable and not protected in any way. This information
can be obtained here.

Refer to the product-specific sections at the end of this document for information on
the localization of specific product names.

Version numbers

Version numbers always contain a period (for example, Version 4.2). This usage extends
to UK English as well.

Version numbers are usually also a part of version strings, but technically they are
not the same.

4.3 Trademarks

Trademarked names and the name Microsoft Corporation shouldn’t be localized unless
local laws require translation and an approved translated form of the trademark
is available. A list of Microsoft trademarks is available here.

4.4 Geopolitical concerns

Part of the cultural adaptation of the US product to a specific market is the resolution
of geopolitical issues. While the US product is designed and developed with neutrality
and a global audience in mind, the localized product should respond to the particular
situation that applies within the target country/region.

Sensitive issues or issues that might potentially be offensive to the users in the target
country/region may occur in any of the following:

• Maps
• Flags
• Country/region, city and language names
• Art and graphics
• Cultural content, such as encyclopedia content and other text where historical or
political references are present

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 30 of 42

Some issues are easy to verify and resolve. The localizer should have the most current
information available. Maps and other graphical representations of countries/regions
should be checked for accuracy and existing political restrictions. Country/region, city,
and language names change on a regular basis and should be checked, even if
previously approved. A thorough understanding of the culture of the target market is
required for checking the appropriateness of cultural content, clip art and other visual
representations of religious symbols, and body and hand gestures.

4.5 Software considerations

This section refers to all menus, menu items, commands, buttons, check boxes, and
other UI elements that should be consistently translated in the localized product.

4.5.1 Error messages

Here is an example:

Error messages are messages sent by the system or a program, informing the user of an
error that must be corrected in order for the program to keep running. The messages
can prompt the user to take action or inform the user of an error that requires restarting
the computer.
Considering the underlying principles of Microsoft voice, translators are encouraged to
apply them to ensure target translation is more natural, empathetic and not robot-like.

UK English style in error messages

Use consistent terminology and language style in the localized error messages, and not
just translate them as they appear in the US product.
When adapting usual phrases, standardize. Note that sometimes (such as in the table
above) US English uses different forms to express the same idea.
Examples:

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 31 of 42

 English source English UK translation

Oops, that can't be blank... Oops, that's not right...

Not enough memory to process this Not enough memory to process this
command. command.

Standard phrases in error messages

These phrases commonly occur in error messages. When you translate them, try to use
the provided target phrases. However, feel free to use other ways to express the source
meaning if they work better in the context.
Examples:

US English UK English

Can’t …
Can’t…
Could not …
Failed to …
Failed to…
Failure of …
Can’t find …
Could not find …
Can’t find…
Unable to find …
Unable to locate …
Not enough memory
Insufficient memory
Not enough memory
There is not enough memory
There is not enough memory available
... is not available
…is not available
... is unavailable

Error messages containing placeholders

When localizing error messages containing placeholders, try to anticipate what will
replace the placeholder. This is necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct
when the placeholder is replaced with a word or phrase. Note that the letters used in
placeholders convey a specific meaning.

Examples:

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 32 of 42

%d, %ld, %u, and %lu means <number>
%c means <letter>
%s means <string>

Examples of error messages containing placeholders:

"Checking Web %1!d! of %2!d!" means "Checking Web <number> of <number>."

"INI file "%1!-.200s!" section" means "INI file "<string>" section."

4.5.2 Keys

In English, references to key names, like arrow keys, function keys and numeric keys,
appear in normal text (not in small caps).

4.5.3 Keyboard shortcuts

Sometimes, there are underlined or highlighted letters in menu options, commands
or dialog boxes. These letters refer to keyboard shortcuts, which help the user to
perform tasks more quickly.

Usage: is it
Keyboard shortcuts special options
allowed?

"Slim characters," such as I, l, t, r, f can be used as keyboard shortcuts yes

Characters with downstrokes, such as g, j, y, p and q can be used as

yes
keyboard shortcuts

Extended characters can be used as keyboard shortcuts yes

An additional letter, appearing between brackets after item name, can be

yes
used as a keyboard shortcut

A number, appearing between brackets after item name, can be used as a

yes
keyboard shortcut

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 33 of 42

 A punctuation sign, appearing between brackets after item name, can be
yes
used as a keyboard shortcut

Duplicate keyboard shortcuts are allowed when no other character is

yes
available

No keyboard shortcut is assigned when no more characters are available

yes
(minor options only)

Content writers usually just refer to “keyboard shortcuts” in content for a general
audience. In localization, however, we distinguish the following terms:

Term Usage

A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A letter or number that the user types to

access UI controls that have text labels. Access keys are assigned to top-
level controls so that the user can use the keyboard to move through the
UI quickly.
Example: F in Alt+F
Example in UI localization: H&ome

access key

In keyboard shortcuts, most access keys are used with the Alt key.

The letter or number that appears in the ribbon when the Alt key is
pressed.
key tip In UI localization, the key tip is the last character present in the strings
after the “`” character.
Example: In UI localization Home`H

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 34 of 42

 A subtype of keyboard shortcut. A key that the user types to perform a
common action without having to go through the UI. Shortcut keys are
not available for every command.

shortcut key Example: Ctrl+N, Ctrl+V

In keyboard shortcuts, most shortcut keys are used with the Ctrl key.
Ctrl+letter combinations and function keys (F1 through F12) are usually
the best choices for shortcut keys.

4.5.4 Arrow keys

The arrow keys move input focus among the controls within a group. Pressing the right
arrow key moves input focus to the next control in tab order, whereas pressing the left
arrow moves input focus to the previous control. Home, End, Up, and Down also have
their expected behavior within a group. Users can’t navigate out of a control group
using arrow keys.
Regarding the capitalization of arrow keys, when used alone or in combination with another
key they should be in uppercase (for example, Up, Down, Ctrl+Left etc.). However, when
used in tandem with "arrow" they should be left in lowercase (for example, right arrow, left
arrow, etc.).
The capitalized form is preferred for key combinations.

4.5.5 Numeric keypad

Avoid distinguishing numeric keypad keys from the other keys, unless it’s required by a given
application. If it’s not obvious which keys need to be pressed, provide necessary explanations.

4.5.6 Shortcut keys

Shortcut keys are keystrokes or combinations of keystrokes perform defined functions in

a software application. Shortcut keys replace menu commands and are sometimes given
next to the command they represent. While access keys can be used only when available
on the screen, shortcut keys can be used even when they are not accessible on the screen.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 35 of 42

Standard shortcut keys

US English UK English
US command UK English command
shortcut key shortcut key

General Windows shortcut keys

Help window F1 Help window F1

Context-sensitive Help Shift+F1 Context-sensitive Help Shift+F1

Display pop-up menu Shift+F10 Display pop-up menu Shift+F10

Cancel Esc Cancel Esc

Activate/Deactivate Activate/Deactivate menu

F10 F10
menu bar mode bar mode

Switch to the next Switch to the next primary

Alt+Tab Alt+Tab
primary application application

Display next window Alt+Esc Display next window Alt+Esc

Display pop-up menu for Display pop-up menu for

Alt+Spacebar Alt+Spacebar
the window the window

Display pop-up menu for Display pop-up menu for

Alt+- Alt+-
the active child window the active child window

Display property sheet Display property sheet for

Alt+Enter Alt+Enter
for current selection current selection

Close active application Close active application

Alt+F4 Alt+F4
window window

Switch to next window Switch to next window

within (modeless- Alt+F6 within (modeless- Alt+F6
compliant) application compliant) application

Capture active window Capture active window

Alt+Prnt Scrn Alt+Prnt Scrn
image to the Clipboard image to the Clipboard

Capture desktop image Capture desktop image to

Prnt Scrn Prnt Scrn
to the Clipboard the Clipboard

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 36 of 42

 US English UK English
US command UK English command
shortcut key shortcut key

Access Start button in Access Start button in

Ctrl+Esc Ctrl+Esc
taskbar taskbar

Display next child

Ctrl+F6 Display next child window Ctrl+F6
window

Display next tabbed pane Ctrl+Tab Display next tabbed pane Ctrl+Tab

Launch Task Manager Launch Task Manager and

Ctrl+Shift+Esc Ctrl+Shift+Esc
and system initialization system initialization

File menu

File New Ctrl+N File New Ctrl+N

File Open Ctrl+O File Open Ctrl+O

File Close Ctrl+F4 File Close Ctrl+F4

File Save Ctrl+S File Save Ctrl+S

File Save as F12 File Save as F12

File Print Preview Ctrl+F2 File Print Preview Ctrl+F2

File Print Ctrl+P File Print Ctrl+P

File Exit Alt+F4 File Exit Alt+F4

Edit menu

Edit Undo Ctrl+Z Edit Undo Ctrl+Z

Edit Repeat Ctrl+Y Edit Repeat Ctrl+Y

Edit Cut Ctrl+X Edit Cut Ctrl+X

Edit Copy Ctrl+C Edit Copy Ctrl+C

Edit Paste Ctrl+V Edit Paste Ctrl+V

Edit Delete Ctrl+Backspace Edit Delete Ctrl+Backspace

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 37 of 42

 US English UK English
US command UK English command
shortcut key shortcut key

Edit Select All Ctrl+A Edit Select All Ctrl+A

Edit Find Ctrl+F Edit Find Ctrl+F

Edit Replace Ctrl+H Edit Replace Ctrl+H

Edit Go To Ctrl+G Edit Go To Ctrl+G

Help menu

Help F1 Help F1

Font format

Italic Ctrl+I Italic Ctrl+I

Bold Ctrl+B Bold Ctrl+B

Underlined/Word
Ctrl+U Underlined/Word underline Ctrl+U
underline

Large caps Ctrl+Shift+A Large caps Ctrl+Shift+A

Small caps Ctrl+Shift+K Small caps Ctrl+Shift+K

Paragraph format

Centered Ctrl+E Centered Ctrl+E

Left aligned Ctrl+L Left aligned Ctrl+L

Right aligned Ctrl+R Right aligned Ctrl+R

Justified Ctrl+J Justified Ctrl+J

4.5.7 Lists

Lists tend to be treated the same way as in US English.

Introduce a list with a heading or sentence fragment followed by a colon.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 38 of 42

Lists tend to be made up of sentence fragments and should therefore not start with
a capital letter or end in a full stop. However, if the list item is a full sentence, standard
grammatical rules apply. If the list if a mix of sentence fragments and sentences, use
a capital letter and full stop for all bullet points.

4.5.8 English pronunciation

General rules

Generally speaking, English terms and product names left unlocalized in target material
should be pronounced the English way. For instance, “Microsoft” must be pronounced
the English way. However, if your language has an established pronunciation for
a common term (such as "server"), use the local pronunciation. Naturally pronunciation
should reflect UK English pronunciation.

Example Phonetics

SecurID [sı’kjuər aı di:]

.NET [dot net]

Skype [skaip]

Acronyms and abbreviations

Some acronyms are pronounced like real words, adapted to the local pronunciation.
Other abbreviations are pronounced letter by letter.

Examples:

Acronyms pronounced like words Acronyms pronounced letter by letter

RADIUS ICMP

RAS IP

ISA TCP/IP

LAN XML

WAN HTML

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 39 of 42

 WAP OWA

MAPI SQL

URLS

"http://" should be omitted; the rest of the URL should be read entirely.
"www" should be pronounced as "double u, double u, double u."
In UK English it’s common to read the "dot" after "www."

Punctuation marks

Most punctuation marks are naturally implied by the sound of voice, for example, ? ! : ; ,

En dashes (–) are used to emphasize an isolated element. It should be pronounced

as a comma, i.e. as a short pause.

Special characters

Pronounce special characters such as / \ ˘ < > + - using the approved UK English.

4.6 Vocabulary
It’s important to consider whether any changes are required to localize vocabulary for
UK English. For example, changes need to be made to the spelling of words in order to
meet UK English conventions.

US English UK English

Favorite Favourite

Center Centre

Optimize Optimise

Some words in US English are not commonly used in UK English or don’t have the same
meaning. UK English words should be used wherever possible to ensure that the text
sounds natural to UK users.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 40 of 42

 US English UK English

Cell phone Mobile phone

Mall Shopping centre

Movie theater Cinema

Sometimes it may be necessary to consider the context before making a change in

terminology.

US English UK English Comment

Would need to be localized for UK addresses, but may not need

State County
to be changed in other contexts.

4.7 Localizing URLs

If a localized website is available, the URL in the target text should direct users directly
to the local site. This may include changing the domain to ".co.uk" or changing the
language code in the URL to "en-gb".

US English source UK English target

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/default.aspx

msn.com msn.co.uk

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 41 of 42

The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues
discussed as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should
not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of
any information presented after the date of publication.

This white paper is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, in this
document.

Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under
copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any
purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation.

Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights
covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from
Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights,
or other intellectual property.

© 2016 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

The example companies, organizations, products, domain names, email addresses, logos, people, places, and events
depicted herein are fictitious. No association with any real company, organization, product, domain name, email
address, logo, person, place, or event is intended or should be inferred.

Microsoft, list Microsoft trademarks used in your white paper alphabetically are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Microsoft English (UK) Style Guide Page 42 of 42