Sections

Content principles

Principles and tactics for writing at Stack Overflow. These will help produce clear, consistent content for users of different professions, identities, and levels of English fluency.

7th grade reading level

Section titled 7th grade reading level

Write for a 7th grade reading level. Stack Overflow users are busy people with limited time and attention. They’re also located all over the world with different levels of English fluency. You can help everyone follow along by choosing simple, consistent words and phrases, and being careful about jokes and cultural references.

Simple words

Section titled Simple words

If there’s a simpler word to say what you mean, use it. Always choose the short, simple word over the long, complicated one. Don’t complicate your ideas with business or insider jargon. Only use jargon when you have reason to believe it will improve user understanding.

Don’t	Do
Optimize	Improve
Falsified	Fake
In order to	To
Leverage	Use
Garner	Get
Despite the fact	Although

Short, simple sentences

Section titled Short, simple sentences

Trim word bloat. Don’t make people read more than they need to.

Don’t	Do
Questions should be merged when they are 99% identical and it would be beneficial to have all the answers from multiple duplicate questions in one place.	Merge questions that are almost alike. This option will also merge answer lists.
If you need to delete your account, merge accounts, or have an issue that can't be addressed by Meta, please use the form below:	Questions? Contact us.

Jokes & cultural references

Section titled Jokes & cultural references

Be careful with jokes and cultural references. Jokes, idioms, slang, and regional or cultural references don’t always translate well for our global audience. The next time you’re making a reference, ask yourself if there’s a more universal way to make your point.

Don’t	Do
“It was like trying to take care of your kids while playing WoW at the same time.”	“It was like trying to rub your stomach and pat your head at the same time.”
“This person likes to keep an air of mystery to them.”	In this situation, humor isn’t appropriate. See more about tone.

Naming

Section titled Naming

Pick names early and implement them consistently. Consistent language reduces the number of things your users have to learn or remember. If multiple names already exist, identify and eliminate them.

Don’t	Do
Inbox alerts	Inbox notifications
Inbox notifications
Inbox messages

Exaggeration

Section titled Exaggeration

Avoid exaggerated statements. When possible, back up your claims with facts and data. Be careful with adjectives and modifiers.

Don’t	Do
Endless possibilities	Choose from external hosting options or host on stackoverflow.com.
Dynamic
Innovative
Powerful
Your privacy is our #1 priority.	Manage your privacy through simple settings.

Action-oriented

Section titled Action-oriented

Users are trying to get things done. Write and structure your content so that people can easily scan and take the most important actions. Avoid using negative language.

Make it scannable

Section titled Make it scannable

Use headings and bullets to make your content easier to scan.

Say it up front

Section titled Say it up front

Think about what people need to know right away, and move that information to the top.

Use active voice

Section titled Use active voice

Use the active voice, particularly in product content. Start every CTA with a strong verb.

Don’t	Do
Your company can use Stack Overflow to reach the world’s developers. We’re excited to help you start the developer hiring process.	Reach the world’s developers. Create job listing
For 14 days, you can try Teams for free. We make it easy for you to create a team.	Get started with a 14-day free trial. Create Team

Negative language

Section titled Negative language

Be careful with negative language. It is usually longer, less friendly, and less active than positive language.

Don’t	Do
“It doesn’t work” is not a problem statement.	Use specific examples in your problem statement.
Password cannot be empty.	Enter your password to continue.

This content was adapted from Nicely Said and the Shopify Content Guide.