diff --git a/guides/source/contributing_to_ruby_on_rails.md b/guides/source/contributing_to_ruby_on_rails.md
index 6e843062ec..6d63697047 100644
--- a/guides/source/contributing_to_ruby_on_rails.md
+++ b/guides/source/contributing_to_ruby_on_rails.md
@@ -205,6 +205,7 @@ TIP: Changes that are cosmetic in nature and do not add anything substantial to
 
 Rails follows a simple set of coding style conventions.
 
+* Use Ruby >= 1.9 syntax. Prefer `{ a: :b }` over `{ :a => :b }`.
 * Two spaces, no tabs (for indentation).
 * No trailing whitespace. Blank lines should not have any spaces.
 * Indent after private/protected.