AP Style

Definition

AP Style, short for Associated Press Style, is a writing format used by journalists and writers for consistency in news writing. It establishes standardized guidelines for grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and usage to ensure clarity and uniformity across publications, particularly in journalism. Following AP Style helps writers communicate effectively and maintain a professional standard in reporting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AP Style emphasizes brevity and clarity, often favoring shorter sentences and paragraphs to enhance readability.
2. It prescribes specific rules for numbers, such as spelling out numbers one through nine and using numerals for 10 and above.
3. AP Style dictates that titles should be capitalized only when they precede a name; otherwise, they are lowercased.
4. Abbreviations and acronyms should be spelled out on first reference, with the abbreviation following in parentheses, unless the acronym is widely recognized.
5. AP Style requires the use of 'said' as the preferred attribution verb for quoting sources, promoting a neutral tone in reporting.

Review Questions

• How does AP Style contribute to effective communication in journalism?
  • AP Style contributes to effective communication by providing a clear framework for writers to follow, ensuring consistency across news articles. This consistency helps readers quickly understand the information presented without confusion over differing formats or styles. By adhering to these established guidelines on grammar, punctuation, and usage, journalists can focus more on delivering accurate news rather than worrying about formatting details.
• In what ways do the rules regarding numbers differ between AP Style and other style guides, and why is this important for journalists?
  • AP Style has specific rules for numbers that differ from other style guides; for instance, it requires spelling out numbers one through nine while using numerals for 10 and above. This distinction is crucial because it aids in maintaining a uniform appearance across publications, which enhances reader comprehension. Journalists must present data clearly and concisely to convey their message effectively, especially when dealing with statistics or quantitative information.
• Evaluate the implications of using AP Style on the perception of journalistic credibility and professionalism.
  • Using AP Style has significant implications for how journalism is perceived in terms of credibility and professionalism. Adhering to these established guidelines fosters trust among readers because they recognize a consistent quality in reporting. When writers follow AP Style, it indicates that they are committed to clarity and accuracy, which enhances their reliability as sources of information. In contrast, neglecting these standards may lead to confusion or misunderstandings among readers, potentially damaging a publication's reputation.

Related terms

Style Guide: A style guide is a set of standards for the writing, formatting, and design of documents. AP Style is one specific type of style guide used predominantly in journalism.

Lead: In journalism, a lead (or lede) is the opening sentence or paragraph that summarizes the most important aspects of a story, setting the tone for the rest of the article.

Inverted Pyramid: The inverted pyramid is a news writing structure where the most critical information is presented at the top of the article, followed by supporting details in descending order of importance.