MOS:BOLDAVOID
MOS:BOLDAVOID
The guideline MOS:BOLDAVOID is a part of the Wikipedia Manual of Style, which provides editors with guidance on how to write and format articles on Wikipedia. This specific guideline addresses the use of boldface text in articles, advising editors to avoid unnecessary use of bolding.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The primary purpose of the MOS:BOLDAVOID guideline is to maintain consistency and readability across Wikipedia articles. Overuse of bold text can be distracting to readers and can detract from the overall quality of the article. The guideline suggests that bold text should be used sparingly and only in specific contexts where it is deemed necessary.
Appropriate Uses of Bold Text[edit | edit source]
According to MOS:BOLDAVOID, bold text is appropriate in the following situations:
- Article Titles: The first occurrence of the article title in the lead section is typically bolded. For example, in an article about "Albert Einstein", the name "Albert Einstein" would be bolded in the first sentence.
- Section Headings: Section headings are automatically bolded by the wiki software and do not require additional bold formatting.
- Emphasis in Lists: In some cases, bold text may be used to emphasize key terms or concepts in a list, but this should be done judiciously.
Inappropriate Uses of Bold Text[edit | edit source]
The guideline advises against the following uses of bold text:
- Emphasis in Running Text: Bold text should not be used to emphasize words or phrases in the main body of the text. Instead, editors are encouraged to use italic text or rephrase the sentence to convey emphasis.
- Highlighting Key Points: Bold text should not be used to highlight key points or arguments within the article. This can disrupt the flow of the text and is generally discouraged.
Rationale[edit | edit source]
The rationale behind MOS:BOLDAVOID is to ensure that articles are easy to read and visually consistent. Excessive use of bold text can make an article appear cluttered and can distract from the content. By adhering to this guideline, editors help maintain a professional and uniform appearance across Wikipedia.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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