Microsoft® Manual of Style, Fourth Edition

T

tab

Do not use as a verb. As a noun, use only to refer to tabs on a ribbon, a webpage, in a dialog box, and so on.

For other uses, clarify the meaning with a descriptor. For example, say “the Tab key,” “a tab stop,” or “a tab mark on the ruler.” See also Webpage controls, dialog boxes, and property sheets (Chapter 5).

Microsoft style

Use the Tab key to move through a dialog box.

Set a tab stop on the ruler.

Click the View tab.

Not Microsoft style

You can tab through a dialog box.

Set a tab on the ruler.

table of contents

Do not use Table of Contents as the heading for the list of contents at the beginning of a document or file. Use just Contents instead. However, it is correct to refer generically to the table of contents.

tablet, tablet PC

Lowercase. In ...