Physics 496 - Introduction to Physics Research, Online Resources

Technical Writing and English Usage

The AIP Style Manual, 4th ed. (THE authority for physics papers)

Physical Review Style and Notation Guide (THE authority for the Phys. Rev. journals)

AIP Physics and Astronomy Classification Scheme (PACS)

Oxford English Dictionary ("the definitive record of the English language" according to them, but note that US English spelling and usage may differ—we colonials have our own rules)

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary and Thesaurus (arbiter of US English spelling, even though they give "advisor" as an alternative spelling for "adviser," which Ms. Particular deplores)

Language Tools

Acronym Look-Up

George L. Trigg's Advice for PRL Authors, Phys. Rev. Lett. 42, 747 (1979).

Celia Elliott's TechWrite 101

Capitals and Acronyms in Physics (cme)

Not available online, but highly recommended for your library if you're serious about writing well:

The Elements of Style, William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White, 4th ed. (New York, Longman, 2000).

Garner's Modern American Usage, Bryan A. Garner (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2003).

The Careful Writer, Theodore Bernstein (New York, Atheneum, 1965). Old but timeless.

The Synonym Finder, J.J. Rodale (Emmaus, Pennsylvania, Rodale Press, 1978). Some synonyms provided are too colloquial for scientific writing, but a good spur when you get stuck for exactly the right word.