Place the title three to four lines down from the top of the title page. Ap style guidelines for hyphen usage gatehouse newsroom. Ap stylebook online is a searchable, customizable resource for writers and editors. Jul, 2019 one of the first things a student in a beginning journalism course learns about is associated press style or ap style for short. While the ap stylebook admits that there is not necessarily a standard way to use them, and that most instances come own to personal style or taste, it does say the fewer hyphens the better. Consult your style guide before starting a sentence with a number. The ap style numbers guidelines are extensive, but they dont have to be confusing. In general, we know that you use a capital letter for a word. Sep 15, 2016 if possession is ninetenths of the law, just imagine how important correctly signifying it in your writing is. May be used for wars, to establish personal sequence for people and animals, and also for certain legislative acts title ix otherwise, use sparingly. Using defined structure and rules similar to word s spelling and grammar checking, ap styleguard helps ensure the consistency of your writing style. You should use figures for 10 or above and whenever preceding a unit of measure or referring to ages of people, animals, events or things. See also ap style times, ap style time sequences, and is noon am or pm. Support home ap stylebook product information style checking software ap styleguard for word and outlook ap styleguard for word does styleguard for word work with the webonly word in office 365.
The ap style as its known in the trade is quite different from the new york times style or chicago manual of style. When the word grade is followed by a numeral, always capitalize grade and use a numeral for the grade number. Style quiz a numbers if the sentence is correct, place a c in the blank. It focuses on clear and concise writing, with each paragraph only being about two or three sentences long. Dec 20, 2018 according to ap style, roman numerals should be used in the personal sequences of people and animals world war i as well as some legislative acts title ix. Ap stylebook changes often spark outrage and celebration. When following ap style, numbers zero through nine are typically written in word form, while numbers 10 and above are written as cardinal numbers. Ap updates its stylebook to accommodate changes in conventions and usage. The associated press stylebook, first published in 1977, clarified the news organizations rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage. The following rules agree with the gregg reference manual, microsoft manual of style for technical publications, and the associated press ap stylebook. A big change announced at aces 2019, percentage symbols are now acceptable to use with numerals in. This isnt an exhaustive list, but it will get you started.
Ap stylebooks 2019 edition includes guidance on suicide. Associated press style is to use dashes, not bullets, for lists that follow a colon. Styleguard works with the downloaded, installed, full desktop. The associated press stylebook recommends spelling out the numbers zero through nine and using numerals thereafteruntil one million is reached. Ap styleguard is a powerful yet easy solution that integrates with microsoft word and provides automatic checking of your documents for ap style. Writing center quick reference associate press style guide. See also ap style millions, billions, trillions dollars. The associated press stylebook prefers the ambiguous word figure to refer to number symbols e. Below youll find information on numbers, time and dates, locations, phone numbers, punctuation, capitalization and titles, and the internet. Ap style is designed to address the challenges of the organizations large size and readership. Writing numbers correctly in ap style includes a few.
Covering the ap style rules on numbers could be a novel in itself. America s two most influential style and usage guides have different approaches. Ap stylebook online takes everything you love about the stylebook az guide to usage, spelling and punctuation and makes it an even more convenient tool. Fourscore and seven years ago twelve apostles ten commandments highfive day one. Combined with the aces 2019 conference in march, there have been several important ap style rule changes and reminders in recent weeks. Ap style quiz a numbers style quiz anumbers if the. Writers, editors, students and public relations specialists find it invaluable. Use roman numerals to describe wars and to show sequences for people. The department prefers bullets, but punctuate them per ap style.
Shorthand for the formal title of the health care overhaul that former president barack obama signed into law in 2010. The apostrophe does not belong in these figures because its not a possessive word. Aps automated stylechecking tools speed up the editing. How to format numbers in associated press style pen and. The first edition of the book was 203 pages, which has since evolved into a book that is more than 1,000 pages. Authorities estimated 12thousand homes were damaged by the storm. The ap stylebook says the percentage sign is now acceptable when paired with a numeral in most cases. Rules for writing numbers the blue book of grammar and. If the writer of your example sentence is following ap style, then 10 years later would be correct. Here is a sampling of frequently asked questions, with examples of ap style. Ap covers a lot, so well look at some of the most important parts of using ap style. Apa style guidelines for numbers words or numerals. If possession is ninetenths of the law, just imagine how important correctly signifying it in your writing is.
If youre new to news writing or switching from one to another, youll want to keep this ap cheat sheet handy and. Common exceptions to this rule include a 5yearold girl, 3 percent, 6 cents. The strategy i happen to use is pretty brainfree, which is to say that it follows ap style. Colon capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. Ap uses the numeral for acres, even when less than 10, as a dimension. Instead, writers who follow the ap stylebook put quotation marks around the titles of books, movies, plays, and the like. Place the main title and any subtitle on separate doublespaced lines if desired. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and many other questions of language usage. To subscribe to the associated press stylebook online, or to find out about purchasing hard copies of the. Jul 21, 2015 in chicago style, as opposed to ap style, we would write four hundred, eight thousand, and twenty million with no numeralsbut like ap, chicago style would require numerals for 401. The chicago manual of style recommends spelling out the numbers zero through one hundred and using figures thereafterexcept for whole. One through nine are spelled out, 10 and above are figures arabic numerals.
After each bullet, capitalize the first letter and use periods at the end of each item. Lowercase the first word unless it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. Click here if youd like to freshen up on some more ap style rules. Probably the biggest news this year is that they are going to stop producing a new edition of the print book every year.
Numbers per the ap stylebook, spell whole numbers below the number 10, but use figures for numbers 10 and above. Unlike academic writing, ap style does not require a reference list or in text citations. This section can be used as a primer and a quick reference, not a replacement to the gpo or ap style books. These are a few of the announcements that stood out. Its a reference book that defines rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usages. Rules by ap stylebook, bad grammargood punctuation. We took at look at the ap stylebooks section on possessions possessives and exorcised some demons coming up with these guidelines. There are only a handful of rules for writing numbers that virtually everyone agrees on. When talking about length of time in ap style, use a numeral for 10 and above. Lucky for us, ap and chicago agree on one thing before they part ways. Whenever numbers can be written out with one or two words, numerals should not be used e. Its mobile optimized so you can use it on your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Capitalize the word room when used with the number of the room.
Writing, reporting, storytelling for a public audience required as much technical savvy as it did creative drive. Use hyphens to combine numerals and the words hundred or thousand. Another big shift came in march when the ap announced the percent sign was ok when used with a numeral. Welcome to ask the editor, a forum on writing, style and phrasing issues that go beyond the pages of the ap stylebook. May 08, 2020 the print edition of the ap stylebook will now be updated every two years. Here are four examples of how to write numbers above 999,999 in ap style. The term is acceptable on first reference, but should be explained later in the story. Associated press ap style is most often used by news and journalism writers to present consistent and clear writing to the consumer. Ap style is what the general public is accustomed to seeing because it is the official stylebook of the newspaper industry. Also note no hyphen linking numerals and the word million, billion or trillion. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation. Ap style aims to be totally accurate, clear to anyone with a high school education and inoffensive curse words are generally avoided, for example all while being as succinct as possible. However, words such as deemphasize and deescalate still requite hyphens. Consider the following examples of ap style numbers, the chicago white sox finished second.
Ive noticed that you advise people that it is ap style to write full hours like this. The ap stylebook uses whats known as downstylethat is, words are lowercased unless a rule says to capitalize them. It covers much more than the ap stylebook, which generally covers only common words and their usage. Let us know if you struggle with one of these exceptions. Try to find a way to give the reader a sense of what was said without using the specific word or phrase. If you commit one rule to memory each day, in just two weeks you will become an ap numbers master. The associated press stylebook app offers current style guidance as you write or edit in word. Apstylebook does styleguard for word work with the web. Ap style was developed and is maintained by the associated press, the worlds oldest news service. Associated press style basics journalists resource. A copy editor with 20plus years of experience, i make it my job to keep up with changing styles and the evolution of language or devolution, as the case may be. Chicago a guide comparing associated press style and. In chicago style, as opposed to ap style, we would write four hundred, eight thousand, and twenty million with no numerals but like ap, chicago style would require numerals for 401.
Generally speaking, we follow the guidelines outlined in the ap stylebook. In its latest edition, ap stylebook added entries for several technological advancements. The american psychological association apa style guide helps writers maintain a uniform way of writing and in particular, writing numbers. Ap stylebook has also removed the hyphen in doublee combinations using pre and re, including reelection and preempt. Ap style millions, billions, trillions writing explained. Jun 19, 2019 the 2019 edition of the associated press stylebook was released this month. Americas two most influential style and usage guides have different approaches. A picture is worth a thousand words, but a really good one is worth a thousand dollars. Ap style holds that you should not use obscenities in stories unless they are part of direct quotations and there is a compelling reason for them.
It is ap style to use only the number for whole hours, i. On friday, stylebook editor paula froke announced the latest round of changes to the grammar. The chicago manual of style online is the venerable, timetested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. Apr 17, 2020 writing numbers correctly in ap style includes a few basic rules that should get you through most situations. For the style and spelling of words not found in ap or gpo, see websters new world college dictionary. When using fractional characters, use a forwardslash mark. Use figures and spell out inches, yards, feet, etc. Use commas to set off each group of three digits in numerals. Twelve program offices and all 10 regional offices think opa is a pain in the wazoo. What follows are summaries of some of the most common style rules. Writing numbers correctly in ap style includes a few basic rules that should get you through most situations. Using defined structure and rules similar to word s spelling and grammar checking, ap styleguard helps ensure the consistency of your writing. Ask the editor frequently asked style questions ap stylebook. Always spell out other words such as alley, drive and road.
If a profanity, obscenity, or vulgarity must be used, flag the story at the top with the. As a journalism major, i quickly learned that there was more to professional writing than loving the craft. The following quick reference is taken from the associated press stylebook. Ap systems may automatically replace some fractions with singlecharacter versions. For numbers above 999, use words or combinations of numerals and words.
The associated press style is the goto style for journalism and news writing. May 07, 2009 the associated press was founded more than 150 years ago and now has thousands of employees working in more than a hundred countries for a readership that numbers in the millions. Use arabic numerals for numbers with two or more digits. The club celebrated the birthdays of six 90yearolds who were born in the city.
The associated press stylebook it can be overwhelming at first, but please see below for the essentials. Use a combination of figures and words for numbers when such a combination will keep your writing clear. Spell out one through nine, then go to figures for 10 and up. One of the first things a student in a beginning journalism course learns about is associated press style or ap style for short. The associated press stylebook ap style offers two recommendations based on number value.
The associated press stylebook and briefing on media law official style guide of the associated press, a notforprofit news agency thats been around since 1846. Now in its sixth edition, the stylebook is the standard style. Without a content style guide, its incredibly challenging to maintain uniformity especially when working with clients in diverse industries. If you cant find a rule for capitalizing a word in the stylebook, use it in lowercase. Its often used by news organizations, magazines, and web publications, but brands often use it to form the basis of their own style guides, too. In fact, the associated press stylebook ap style doesnt allow decades to be written as words. Aug 17, 2017 hyphens join words together and should be used to help form a single idea from two words or avoid ambiguity in your writing. If you find errors, use the copyediting symbols to correct it. The 2019 edition of the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law includes more than 200 new or revised entries, with chapters covering data journalism, business, fashion, food, religion and sports terms, as well as media law, news values, punctuation, social media, polls and surveys and a new chapter on health and science. Hyphens join words together and should be used to help form a single idea from two words or avoid ambiguity in your writing. It required research skills, and grammar rules, and interview techniques. Associated press ap style checklist associated press style is a form of writing used primarily by journalists and public relations professionals.
In other words, writing out july 4 is okay, but stay away from july 4th. The ap therefore strives to keep its writing style easy to read, concise and free of bias. The brady bunch and bell bottoms were popular in the 1970s. The club celebrated the birthdays of 6 90yearolds who were born in the city.
This is a complex topic, with many exceptions, and there is no consistency we can rely on among blogs, books, newspapers, and magazines. See the chicago manual of style, numbers in writing, gude to punctuation. In general you should spell out numbers one through nine in ap style. The best ap style cheat sheet every writer needs free. The chicago manual of style differentiates numerals from words as well. Also note no hyphen linking numerals and the word million, billion, or trillion. Note that ap style differs significantly from style guides typically used in english classes, such as the apa and oxford style guides. A style guide for the 2020 elections, based on the ap stylebook and common usage in ap stories. It had to be easy for reporters and editors to use and also produce. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. Ap style also aims to avoid stereotypes and unintentionally offensive language. Mar 29, 2019 the ap stylebook says the percentage sign is now acceptable when paired with a numeral in most cases.
Ap style obscenities, profanities, vulgarities writing. The topic of when to write numbers out and when to use numerals concerns and confounds a lot of people. Coronavirus topical guide associated press stylebook. In formal language, rhetorical quotations, and figures of speech. Use figures when discussing dates, but never turn to ordinal numbers. Thats why, at straight north, we defer to the associated press stylebook for grammar rules and spelling clarifications. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. How to format numbers in associated press style pen and the pad. On friday, stylebook editor paula froke announced the latest round of. This means when to use a capital letter at the beginning of a word. And to make it even more confusing, in general usage, ap requires that numbers one through nine be spelled out and numbers 10 and above be expressed in numerals, but exceptions exist for.
In this article we follow the guidelines of apa style, one of the most common style guides used in academic writing. But like most grammar dogma, there is always those special cases. However, roman numerals should be avoided when discussing the super bowl 1969 super bowl, for example, rather than super bowl iii. Spiralbound book, updated each spring 2019 ap stylebook. Those with a subscription to ap stylebook online can view the composition titles entry for more detail. Ap style is simply a standardized way of writing everything from dates to street addresses to job titles. For those of you unfamiliar with the associated press stylebook, its the journalists bible. When writing a grade in its ordinal form, use words for grades 19 and numerals for grades 10, 11, and 12.
For ease of application, some have been divided into external and internal styles when there are differences. Does styleguard for word work with the webonly word in office 365. Ap stylebook, also known by its full name the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law, is an english grammar style and usage guide created by american journalists working for or connected with the associated press to standardize mass communication. Chicago to keep track of style and usage according to the popular style guides the associated press stylebook and the chicago manual of style. This listing is a just a few highlights for ap style, but you need to make sure you have the most current version for quick reference. Ap editor david minthorn fields questions of widest interest posed by subscribers to the online ap stylebook. Its updated throughout the year and valuable onlineonly resources, including ask the editor, topical guides and pronunciation guide, expand on the print book s guidance. We took at look at the ap stylebook s section on possessions possessives and exorcised some demons coming up with these guidelines. This style guide is mainly used in most longform publishing. Ap styleguard is a powerful yet easytouse solution that integrates with microsoft word and outlook to provide automatic ap style checking.
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