Dates
Below are rules to follow for writing dates:
Do
- Capitalize the first letter of the month and weekday when writing dates in English
- Use the numeric format when space is limited, like in a data table
- When asking for dates, indicate the format required
Don't
- Don’t use ordinal indicators (e.g., “1st”, “12th”)
- Don’t say “today” (but if you must, provide the date as well as your reader may not see the material on the same day you release it)
Date formats
The format for dates will depend upon the length and the space available in your document. Only use the numeric short date format when space is limited (like a data table or form) and explain the format (yyyy-mm-dd) so the reader has a clear understanding.
Long: Thursday, July 21, 2022
Medium: July 21, 2022
Short (numeric): 2022-07-21 (YYYY-MM-DD)
- When referring to a month in general, it should be spelled out: September 2010 (no comma).
- When referring to a year, the entire year is cited: 1990, 2010.
- For decades, no apostrophes are needed: 1990s, 2010s
Date ranges
Use "to" instead of a dash in date ranges:
- March 29 to April 4
For date ranges like fiscal years, explain what period the range covers in surrounding text:
- This report covers the 2015-16 fiscal year. The government of New Brunswick fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.
Time
In English, time should always be written in numerical format using a 12-hour clock. However, write noon or midnight, not 12 noon or 12 midnight. When writing in French, use the 24-hour clock.
- 10:45 a.m.
Times should always include hours and minutes; a.m. or p.m. and ranges should be separated with ‘to’.
Always use punctuation with a.m. and p.m.
When referring to time on the hour do not include :00. For example: 9 a.m., 3 p.m.
- 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
If you are hosting an event with participants outside of the province indicate the time zone. Atlantic Standard Time (AST) or Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT) depending upon the time of year:
- Atlantic Standard Time (AST): early November to mid-March
- Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT): mid-March to early November