Vocabulary encompasses the specific words and phrases we choose to convey our values and connect with our audience. At McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (McCarthy), the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook serves as the foundation for our writing standards, ensuring consistency and professionalism in all our communications. AP Style, in conjunction with variations outlined below, form the basis for McCarthy vocabulary. Consistency in vocabulary and grammar is paramount as it upholds our commitment to clear and professional communication, reinforcing trust and reliability in all interactions.
DOs
- Do use our full name by always presenting the company name in its complete version before abbreviating it.
- Do use trademark symbols, such as ®, on the first instance of a trademarked item.
- Do provide an explanation or definition when introducing an abbreviation or acronym that is specialized or less common to ensure readers understand it.
- Do proofread closely – and follow up by having another team member proofread your copy to ensure accuracy.
- Do consider a Spanish-speaking audience.
- Do consider inclusive language considerations that acknowledge diversity and promote respect and equal opportunity to all.
- Use the AP Stylebook in conjunction with the standards in this guide for McCarthy style.
DON’Ts
- Don’t be inconsistent. A sudden change in tone or language is confusing and distracting.
- Don’t overuse the word “genuine.” Use it only when necessary, excluding its use in the naming of elements. You can use genuine to describe our core value or if absolutely needed, as an adjective.
- Don’t assume everyone is familiar with acronyms. Spell out the full name or term, then provide the acronym in parentheses on first use. The acronym alone can be used in subsequent mentions.
- Don’t assume universal knowledge, especially with industry-specific abbreviations or acronyms. Spell out the whole term and provide context on first use to guarantee comprehension.
- Don’t use jargon. Excessive technical or industry-specific terms or phrases are confusing.
- Don’t capitalize words or phrases for emphasis. Follow standard capitalization rules and use capital letters sparingly for proper nouns, trademarks or titles.
For detailed vocabulary best practices, employees may reference the Writing Style Guide on the Intranet.
THE Company & THE INDUSTRY
craft professionals — lowercase unless part of a specific title like Craft Appreciation Day, etc.; avoid using craft on its own as a descriptor.
design-build — hyphenate this delivery method.
helmet — lowercase; preference is to use helmet – and not hard hat – as descriptor of this personal protective equipment (PPE) item.
healthcare — one word
jobsite — one word
joint venture — only when used with an outside company, can be JV on second reference; when two or more McCarthy regions partner on a project, then it is referred to as a “cross-regional partnership” internally.
labor hours — hours performed by field employees
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (McCarthy) — When writing about McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., please refer to it as a subsidiary of McCarthy Holdings, Inc.
McCarthy Building Companies includes five regions, national businesses, and specialized services.
In the first instance, use the full company name, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., before referencing as McCarthy. First instance will appear as:
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. (McCarthy)
When capitalizing the name, lowercase the first ‘c’ to help with legibility.
McCARTHY
organizations and associations — To ensure clarity of the organization name, always spell out
for first reference, then use acronyms/abbreviations for further reference.
Examples:
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
- California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
self-perform — When a builder like McCarthy self-performs, it adds value to a project by using in-house skilled labor and equipment for critical construction activities such as concrete, electrical, plumbing, framing and carpentry. Builders also use self-perform to ensure that the work not only gets done, but that their focus on things like safety, quality, budget and schedule are maintained.