Although I’ve used “Web site” for years, recently I find myself gravitating toward “website.” Now, when I look at my work, I see inconsistencies everywhere — and it’s driving me crazy!
So, I sought advice from the Chicago Manual of Style website (see what I mean?) and it just made matters worse. Here’s what they say:
” .. generally, I would recommend ‘Web site’ for formal writing, but ‘website’ for informal writing or friendly writing. Unless, of course, you prefer ‘Web site’ even
when you’re being friendly.”
I don’t do any formal writing. I consider ALL my writing friendly — so I guess I get to decide whether I prefer “Web site” or “website.”
What do YOU think? You can reply by clicking on “Comments.”
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I use “Web site” when I’m editing for others. “Web” in this context refers to the World Wide Web, not to be confused with, say, a spider’s web. However, in casual writing (say, in personal emails to friends, not business associates), I often use “website,” which I think we will all end up gravitating toward.
I prefer ‘Web Site’ with the capital letters as formal.
“Web” I thought was a proper name, thus needed to be separate and capitalized. You wouldn’t say , “petershouse,” if it was “Peter’s house.”
So, Web site.
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