Style

   For writers and editors, style is nothing more than consistency of usage. It's not a question of which form is "correct," but which form the editor in chief prefers. And that, by definition, is subjective.
   If the editor says percent is one word, not two, that's the form you use. Other editors may prefer two words (per cent), or the abbreviation (pct.), or the symbol (%). The writer's appropriate response is, "whatever sharpens your pencil" (or floats your boat, of lights your fire, or fills your cup, or creams your coffee, etc.).
   For guidelines on style and usage, Strunk & White's Elements of Style remains a best seller, even after a hundred years. Otherwise, consult the Associated Press Style Manual, or any of the academic stylebooks such as those required for Freshman Comp classes. (You remember, the book you had to buy but never read?)
   Keep in mind that style manuals are guide books, not law books, and each represents the choices and biases of the editors who compiled them. But they all have the aim of consistency of usage and improved communication.
   One other thing to keep in mind: The problem with academic style manuals is that in trying to be complete and comprehensive, they become unwieldy. Moreover, too strict adherence to arbitrary rules can stifle creativity.
   Ralph Waldo Emerson was right in calling consistency a hobgoblin, but here's the full quote, with emphasis on "foolish":

   "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."