PRL Writing Style (prl-writing-style)

When to trigger

• Prose is wordy, hedged, or jargon-dense
• Notation is inconsistent or symbols are undefined on first use
• An out-of-subfield physicist would stumble on the opening
• The draft uses long subordinate clauses where a Letter wants directness
• You are in late polish, after the result, figures, and SM are stable

APS house-style essentials

• Concision is a feature, not a constraint. A Letter says what it must and stops. Every sentence should advance the central claim.
• Active, direct voice where it sharpens meaning; "We measure ..." / "The data show ..." beats passive circumlocution.
• Define every symbol on first use; keep notation consistent across Letter, figures, and SM.
• Spell out acronyms on first use; avoid undefined subfield jargon in the abstract and opening.
• SI units, consistent significant figures, and proper math typesetting.
• Reference style follows the current APS format; cite the prior work that establishes importance and the work the reader needs to trust the result.