Washington, D.C.

D.C. is always written with periods, no spaces in the middle.

Web page; Web site

Two words, in each case (at least for now). Web is always capitalized. See World Wide Web (below). Incidentally, a Web page is an HTML file with its associated scripts and graphics files; a Web site is a set of interconnected Web pages.

well-known (adj.)

Most compound words with well are hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun.

west

Do not capitalize if referring only to a compass direction. See east.

West Coast

Do, however, capitalize West Coast when referring to that portion of the United States that borders the Pacific Ocean.

Western civilization, Western world

Western Hemisphere

Note that Hemisphere is also capitalized here.

which, that

See that, which. See also Troublesome pairs.

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which, who

See Troublesome pairs.

who, whom

See Troublesome pairs.

who’s, whose

See Troublesome pairs.

work out (v.), workout (n.)

• Priscilla and Elvis have yet to work out a solution to their summer child care problem.
• Sometimes a good workout is all you need to clear your head so you can think more logically.

workforce, workplace, workstation

work-study

World Wide Web; the Web; WWW

Uppercase when the whole proper name is used. Keep the capital W when the terms Web, Web page, or Web site are used. Use the lowercase “www” only in URLs.

• The World Wide Web is the most widely used innovation of the ’90s and beyond.
• He updates his Web site weekly.
• You should spend less time surfing the Web and more time in the library.
• One of my favorite Web sites is http://www.fishingwithflies.com/. One of my favorite Web pages on that site is http://www.fishingwithflies.com/Updates.html.

world-class (adj.)

world-renowned (adj.)

worldview (n.)

worldwide (adj.)

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