Word Style & Usage

Please defer to this list for proper word use in customer-facing copy. 

Pro word style & use exceptions

A

AC - approved abbreviation for air conditioning

adapter – not "adaptor"

aesthetic – note correct spelling

affect/effect – affect means to influence. e.g. “The game will affect the standings.” Effect as a verb means to cause. e.g. “He will effect many changes in the company.” As a noun, it means result. e.g. “He misjudged the effect of his actions.”

air fryer – two words

air plant – two words

all/entire stock – 100% of items qualify for offer; use on offers that have no exclusions, meaning no brands or other items are excluded from the offer

all-purpose/all purpose – hyphenated when used as a modifier (e.g. “All-purpose cleaning product.”); not hyphenated when used as a noun (e.g. “The product is all purpose.”)

ambience – not "ambiance"

amp-hours – abbreviate Ah

anytime/any time – use “anytime” when modifying/qualifying a word or phrase (e.g. “Anytime Shopping.”); use “any time” after a word or phrase to indicate a time period (e.g. “Buy Any Time.”)

app – use to refer to smartphone application

armchair – one word

B

backyard – one word

bagless – not “bag-less”

barbecue – not “bar-b-que” or “barbeque”; can abbreviate BBQ

bare tools - tools only, not including accessories that may sometimes be sold with the tools. This is a Pro-facing term that is never used in consumer ads; e.g. in copy, this is expressed as “battery and charger sold separately” in the D25T and D28I page disclaimers.

barrel-back – with hyphen

best-selling – with hyphen

bicast – not hyphenated

bifold – not “bi-fold”

blond – not “blonde”

BMSM – Buy More Save More. Refers to offers/promotions with tiers.

bonus – used for value-add items that have been included for over 90 days and legally can no longer be called “free.” No value callout.

bookend – one word

bookshelf – one word

briquettes – not “briquets”; do not use “charcoal briquettes” – use “charcoal” alone.

build-up – as a noun and adjective, hyphenated; as a verb, not hyphenated (e.g. to “build up suspense”)

built-in – not “built in”

C

cactuses – not “cacti”

canceled, – one "L", cancellation as a noun, two "Ls"

candle holder – two words, no hyphen

card holder – two words, no hyphen

carton – do not abbreviate

case – do not abbreviate

cell phone – not “cellphone”

censor/sensor – censor means to restrict or prohibit the use of something. Sensor is a device used to monitor something.

centerset – not “center set”

Certified Nursery Consultants – initial cap each word

chain-link fence – not “chainlink fence”

chain saw – not “chainsaw”

chalkboard – one word

charcoal – do not refer to as “charcoal briquets” or “charcoal briquettes”

cleanup/clean up/clean-up – as a noun, one word. e.g. “We handle job site cleanup.” As a verb, two words. e.g. “Time to clean up the yard.” As an adjective, hyphenated. e.g. “Clean-up days are here.”

clearance – refers to products (SKUs) that will be permanently discontinued.  Not used in marketing copy. Often referred to as “end-of-season savings.” More details in pricing language.

cookbook – one word

cordless – not “cord-less”

custom-framed – with hyphen

custom-upholstered – with hyphen

cutout – not "cut-out"

count – do not abbreviate

countertop – not “counter top”

D

decor – do not include an accent aigu (Excel and Word create one automatically, so you have to go back and manually enter a regular “e”)

die-cast – hyphenated

dishdrawer – not “dish drawer”

Do-It-Herself – a series of exclusive THD workshops and projects designed for women; always initial caps, hyphenated and never abbreviated to DIH

Do-It-Yourself or DIY – “Do-It-Yourself” is always hyphenated and always initial cap; DIY is always all caps without periods

door stop – two words

downtime – not “down time”

drill-less – not “drillless”

dual flush toilet – not “dual-flush”

E

each – do not abbreviate; use in ads when a single price is given but multiple items are shown in an image, to clarify that the price is for only one of the items. Always use with singular verb.

Eco Options – two words and initial caps. The Home Depot’s umbrella category for products that save energy, conserve water, improve air quality, reduce household hazardous waste and dangerous toxins, and/or utilize sustainable forestry practices. ENERGY STAR and WaterSense are parts of the Eco Options category, but only one icon is used to signify Eco Options. If ENERGY STAR or WaterSense designations apply, they take priority for use; if neither of them apply, the Eco Options icon is used.

effect/affect – affect means to influence. e.g. “The game will affect the standings.” Effect as a verb means to cause. e.g. “He will effect many changes in the company.” As a noun, it means result. e.g. “He misjudged the effect of his actions.”

eGift [card] – not "E-Gift"

electricians tool set – not “electrician's”

email – only capitalize the “e” if it begins a sentence; no hyphen

ENERGY STAR® – all caps and shown with register mark. For products that meet EPA and DOE energy efficiency guidelines. Do not use the ® symbol in PIP (DAX) copy.

engine/motor – an engine creates its own energy through internal combustion or some other means. A motor needs an outside energy source to operate.

event – Internal THD language for marketing promotions. Don't use in customer facing copy. 

everyday/every day – use “everyday” when modifying/qualifying a word or phrase (e.g. “Everyday Financing.”) “Every day” follows a word or phrase to indicate frequency (e.g. “Low Prices Every Day.”)

exclusive – used to call out exclusivity of proprietary and licensed brands as well as individual SKUs. Not valid on exclusive negotiated price, exclusive “big box” retailer claims. THD exclusive products sold by third-party resellers does not void exclusivity.

F

Father's Day – note apostrophe placement

faux-fur – with hyphen

faux-leather – with hyphen

faux-linen – with hyphen

faux-silk – with hyphen

faux-stone – with hyphen

faux-wood – with hyphen

fewer/less – “fewer” is used with countable nouns (e.g. “Fewer than two people.”) “Less” is used with uncountable, usually abstract nouns (e.g. “Do more in less time.”)

fiberglass – not “fiber glass”

fire pit – not “firepit”

fix up – two words

flatware – one word

flatweave – without hyphen

flood light – not “floodlight”

floor care – not “floorcare”

fluorescent – commonly misspelled

flush mount – not “flushmount”

free – item or service offered/included at no additional cost. Any item included for over 90 days must be called a bonus. A value should be included when applicable. See Value.

G, H

gallon – do not abbreviate

Garden Club – always refer to as The Home Depot Garden Club, initial cap

glamour – not “glamor”

gray – not “grey,” unless specified by a vendor or part of a brand name

hand-carved – with hyphen, except when used as adjective

handcrafted – one word

hand-cut – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-held – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-hooked – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-knit – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-knotted – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-loomed – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-painted – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-tufted – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

hand-woven – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

handpicked – one word

handleset – one word

handmade – one word

hands-on – two words, hyphenated   

hassle-free – with hyphen when used as an adjective; two words when not

heavyweight – one word; no hyphen

high-arc faucet – not “hi-arc”

high-quality – with hyphen

Home Depot – Not preferred and should generally not be used without “The” in front of it. Per our brand standards, refer to the company as “The Home Depot” even when used as an adjective. Use initial caps. Subsequent mentions may in special cases be “Home Depot,” although this use is discouraged. Do not abbreviate as “THD” or “HD.”

homedepot.com – always use lowercase unless it starts a sentence

houseplant - one word

how-to – hyphenated as a modifier (e.g. how-to projects)

HVAC - approved abbreviation for heating ventilation air conditioning

I, J

ice maker – not “icemaker”

in-store/in store(s) – hyphenated only when modifying a noun or verb (e.g. “in-store savings”)

Installation Services and Home Services – do not use “At-Home Services”

Internet – always initial cap

job site – not “jobsite”; “job-site” when used as a modifier (e.g. job-site delivery)

K, L

kids vs. kids’ – for titles, headlines, subheads and product names, "kids" should not have an apostrophe. Use an apostrophe in copy paragraphs only.

Kids Workshop – initial caps; no apostrophe after “Kids”

knickknacks – one word, no hyphen

know-how – hyphenated

laid-back – hyphenated

lightweight – one word, no hyphen

linear feet – not “lineal,” which refers to ancestry. Linear feet are the same as regular feet in the U.S. customary and imperial systems of measurement, so no conversion is necessary.

lithium-ion – not “lithium” and not capitalized (i.e. “Lithium-Ion”) unless part of a product name. lithium-ion is now industry standard and not required in marketing copy.

loveseat – one word

M

machine-made – with hyphen

mantel/mantle – mantel is a shelf above a fireplace; mantle is a cloak

marble top – two words; not “marbletop”

measuring tape – preferable to “tape measure”

mechanics tools / tool set – not “mechanic’s”

microfiber – one word, no hyphen

microsuede – one word, no hyphen

microwave – not “microwave oven”

mid-century modern – not capitalized

minimum – do not abbreviate

mission-style – with hyphen

molding/moulding – “My cheese is molding” vs. “Windows and doors are edged with moulding.”

more than vs. over – preference is “more than” in references to amount, except when both words are used in a sentence. Examples: The Home Depot employs more than 3,000 associates. Since it began six years ago, Home Depot’s YGG program has supported over 600 schools with more than $400,000 in funds.

most – in relation to offers, 55-99% of items qualify for offer

Mother's Day – note apostrophe placement

multicolor – one word, no hyphen

multipurpose – one word, no hyphen

N, O

nailheads – one word, no hyphen

new – designation for core SKUs (not Special Buys) in their first six months in stores or online. Also an icon.

New Lower Price – designation for a core SKU with a mandatory 90-day reduced price. Also an icon.

nightstand – one word

number– Abbreviate with No. and use numerals. (e.g. “The Home Depot is the world’s No. 1 home improvement retailer.”) (e.g. “Apply rule No. 2 when it comes to capitalizing headlines.”)

Ohm – always initial cap

oil-rubbed – hyphenated as a modifier (e.g. oil-rubbed bronze)

old world/old-world – hyphenated as a modifier (e.g. old-world charm); not capitalized

online – not “on-line” or “on line”

online only vs online exlcusive - use "online exclusive"

over-the-door – with hyphen, except when used as adjective

oversize – one word, no hyphen, no “d” at the end

P, Q

pack – do not abbreviate

painter’s tape – use an apostrophe

palette/pallet/palate – definitions, in order: a particular range, quality, or use of color; a portable platform for handling, storing or moving materials and packages; a usually intellectual taste or liking

pegboard – one word

percentage (%) off – only use when advertising an approved offer posted in AssetLink. All other savings are calculated in dollars rounding down to the nearest dollar

perennial – something that returns every year (e.g. perennial plants)

pick up/pickup – Two words when used as a verb, one word when used as a noun and when referencing a type of vehicle, e.g., pickup truck

piece – do not abbreviate ("pc.") unless space is an issue

pin board – one word

pipe – for CRM & OLA Pro-facing language, use "pipe," not "pipes," as the plural form

pinecone – one word

placemat – one word

playset – one word

pop-up – hyphenated as a modifier, not as a verb (i.e. “to pop up out of the ground”)

pre-drilled – hyphenated

prefinished – not hyphenated

prehung – not “pre-hung”

Presidents' Day – note apostrophe placement

proprietary/exclusive brands – products exclusively made for and owned by The Home Depot: America’s Finest (paint only), CE Tech, Commercial Electric, Defiant, Ecosmart, Everbilt, Glacier Bay, Hampton Bay, HDX, Home Decorators Collection, Husky, Stonemark (countertops only), Trafficmaster, Veranda, Vigoro, Viva!, Weathershield

pull-down – not “pulldown”

pull-out – not “pullout”

R

range of savings – the lowest and highest discounts for an offer. A full range of savings must be shown if less than 10% of the offering is available at highest savings claim. Ex: “10% to 15% off” – if 10% or more of the items are available at the highest discount, the full range is not required and the largest discount may be featured (Ex: “up to 15% off”)

rebate – a partial refund on purchased merchandise or services

run time – not runtime; hyphenate run-time when used to modify a noun (e.g. “run-time power”)

runoff – one word (e.g. water runoff)

rustproof – not “rust-proof” or “rust proof”

S

sales – never use in a promotional way because the word contradicts the Everyday Low Price brand voice

screwdriver – not “screw driver”

seasonal savings – Internal THD language for marketing promotions. Don't use in customer-facing copy. 

select – use with every offer that is not all or entire stock; 50-54% of items qualify for offer

self-clean – not “self-cleaning”

sensor/censor – sensor is a device used to monitor something. Censor means to restrict or prohibit the use of something.

shadow box​ – two words

shower head – two words

shut down/shutdown – shut down is a verb (e.g. “You should shut down your computer every day before you leave.”) Shutdown is a noun (e.g. “The iron has an automatic shutdown feature.”)

sign up/sign-up – two words; hyphenate when using as verb, do not hyphenate with using as a noun or modifier. (e.g. “Sign up today for The Home Depot Credit Card.”) (e.g. “Don’t forget to add your name to the sign-up sheet.”)

sitewide – one word

slipcover – one word

smoky – not "smokey"

snow blower – two words

sold separately – use to indicate that certain items shown in an image aren’t priced in the ad. Do not use for items not sold by The Home Depot (and avoid showing items not for sale in ads whenever possible).

soumak – a tapestry weaving technique

space saver – two words

Special Buy – use for A) a non-core SKU one-time buy that is available while supplies last, or B) a core SKU with a temporary cost/price reduction, indicated with “Was” pricing. Also an icon.

stainless steel – two words; no hyphenation; lower case unless starting a sentence

steam dryer – not “steamdryer”

step ladder – not “stepladder”

step stool – not “stepstool”

stepstone – not “step stone”

Store Associate – uppercase S and A

storewide – one word

surged/serged – surge indicates forceful movement ("to surge forward"); as a noun, serge is a type of fabric or weave; as a verb, it is a technique used to prevent fraying of seams or edges.

swing-arm – with hyphen

T

tablecloth – one word

tabletop – not “table top”

tap into – two words for readability, not "tap in to"

tealight – one word

terracotta – one word

The Home Depot – per our brand standards, refer to the company as The Home Depot even when used as an adjective. Use initial caps. Subsequent mentions may be “Home Depot,” although this is not preferred. Never abbreviate as “THD” or “HD.” (If this reads awkwardly, restructure the phrase or sentence where possible.)

three-dimensional – with hyphen, except when used as adjective. Can also be written as 3D.

through – not “thru,” except in short term emails (per HDC)

Tiffany-style – with hyphen, except when used as adjective

toolbox – not “tool box”

toolless – not “tool-less”

topsoil – not “top soil”

torchiere – a type of floor lamp used for accent lighting (with the shade generally pointing the light upwards)

torque – measured in foot-pounds, which is abbreviated ft.-lb.

traveled – one "L"

tubs – not bathtubs

2-door – digit with hyphen (e.g. “2-door cabinet”)

two-line – with hyphen

U, V

up to %/$ off – may only be used when 20% of merchandise in the offer is available at the highest %/$ savings advertised. See “range of savings.”

At least 20% threshold of the offer needs to be at the highest discount rate. Check with MMM on 10%  vs. 20% vs. 40% (appliances) click thru to Pricing and Messaging

USA/US/USVI – no periods

vacuum – do not abbreviate as “vac”

value – the current or previous price of an item at The Home Depot. Often used when an item is included as a part of a packaged set or free with purchase. Ex. “$10 value, free with purchase.”

value if purchased separately – the total price at The Home Depot of all items in a kit or pack if the customer were to buy them separately. e.g. a tool kit offered for $29.99 that would cost $49.99 if a customer at The Home Depot bought each item separately.

Veterans Day – no apostrophe

volt – abbreviate V (per update from management 5/17/2021)

W

was pricing – the previous price for the product at The Home Depot. Always show in conjunction with amount saved and current price. (e.g. “Was $250.00  Save $30.00  $220.00”)

washcloth – one word

washer – not “washing machine”

waste basket – two words

waste bin – two words

waterproof – one word

water-resistant – hyphenated when used as an adjective (e.g. water-resistant flooring)

WaterSense – one word, W and S capped.  Should include the EPA’s WaterSense logo for products that meet EPA water efficiency and performance criteria.

watertight – not “water-tight”

watt – do not abbreviate

watt-hour – do not abbreviate as Wh

weatherproof – not “weather-proof”

website – not “web site”

Wi-Fi – not wifi or wi-fi

windowbox – one word

wingback – one word

workbench – one word

workpiece – one word

workspace – one word

workstation​ – one word

workwear – one word

work light – two words

X, Y, Z

yardwork – one word

Your Choice – use when an ad features multiple related products at the same price. Not used for a choice of colors or finishes.

ZIP Code – the entire word “ZIP” is capitalized, as is the “C” in Code