Content style guide
We, us, you
When referring to VA, use the first-person pronoun (we, us, our). Use the second person (you, your) to refer to Veterans, service members, family members, and other audiences we’re addressing. This aligns with our content principles to speak person-to-person with our customers rather than talking about them.
Like this
Use “we” and “you” for a conversational tone
We offer a variety of health services and VA benefits to meet your needs. For additional contact information, view our phone directory.
Not this
Don’t talk about Veterans. Talk with them, person-to-person.
VA offers a variety of health services and benefits to meet the needs of our nation’s Veterans. For additional contact information, Veterans may also view the VA phone directory.
Sometimes for clarity, you may need to identify who you’re addressing first, before or in addition to using the second-person pronoun.
Like this
Identify the audience as needed, while still using “you” and “your”
If you’re a dependent family member of a Veteran or service member, you can get career and educational counseling through VR&E.
Veterans who own a small business may qualify for advantages when bidding on government contracts. Learn more and register your Veteran-owned small business.
Not this
Dependent family members of Veterans or service members can get career and educational counseling through VR&E.
Veterans who own a small business may qualify for advantages when bidding on government contracts. VA encourages Veterans to learn more and register their Veteran-owned small business.