Editorial policy

Every answer on this site is written to do one thing: answer a real question clearly, accurately and quickly. Here’s how we work.

How topics are chosen

We focus on the questions people actually search for, from who invented the telephone to why is the ocean salty. Each article answers one question and the closely related follow-ups people tend to ask next.

How articles are written

• The answer comes first. Every article opens with a short, direct answer, then explains the details.
• Specifics over filler. Names, dates, numbers and places are included wherever they help, and rounded or estimated figures are labelled as such.
• Fair on disputed topics. When historians or scientists disagree, we explain the main views instead of picking a side.

Sources

Facts are checked against reliable references such as encyclopedias, government and scientific agencies, museums and universities. Articles on science, history and the human body list key sources at the end of the page.

Health topics

Articles about the human body cover general knowledge only. We don’t give diagnoses, treatment, medication or diet advice. Every health-related article carries a notice and lists its sources. For anything about your own health, please talk to a qualified professional.

Corrections and updates

If something is wrong or out of date, we fix it and change the “Updated” date on the article. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we’ll review it.