AP Style

Definition

AP Style, or Associated Press Style, is a standardized writing style used primarily in journalism and news writing that emphasizes clarity, brevity, and consistency. This style helps writers maintain objectivity in reporting and ensures that news stories are easily understood by a broad audience, guiding writers in grammar, punctuation, and formatting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AP Style recommends using figures for numbers 10 and above, while numbers below 10 should be spelled out.
2. In AP Style, titles are capitalized only when they precede a name; otherwise, they are lowercase.
3. Punctuation rules in AP Style dictate that the Oxford comma is generally omitted in lists, which differs from some other style guides.
4. When writing dates in AP Style, the month is spelled out when used alone or with a year; however, when paired with a specific date, abbreviate the month.
5. AP Style emphasizes using active voice whenever possible to create clearer and more engaging sentences.

Review Questions

• How does AP Style contribute to the overall clarity and objectivity of news stories?
  • AP Style contributes to clarity by providing specific rules for grammar, punctuation, and formatting that help writers communicate information effectively. By standardizing language and style, it ensures that news stories are concise and accessible to readers from various backgrounds. Additionally, the emphasis on objectivity in reporting promotes fair representation of facts without bias or personal opinion.
• Discuss how common grammar and punctuation rules in AP Style can impact the readability of a news article.
  • Common grammar and punctuation rules in AP Style significantly enhance the readability of news articles by creating a consistent framework that readers can easily follow. For instance, the use of active voice is preferred as it makes sentences more direct and engaging. Furthermore, avoiding unnecessary commas helps prevent confusion, allowing readers to grasp key points without getting lost in complex sentence structures.
• Evaluate the role of AP Style in the selection criteria for news stories and how it influences what gets reported.
  • AP Style plays a critical role in the selection criteria for news stories by promoting guidelines that prioritize clarity and relevance. Stories that adhere to these standards are more likely to be considered for publication since they align with journalistic principles of accuracy and fairness. The influence of AP Style extends to shaping the tone and focus of reported content, ensuring that significant events are conveyed succinctly while maintaining reader engagement.

Related terms

Copy Editing: The process of reviewing and correcting written material to improve accuracy, readability, and adherence to style guidelines.

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story that summarizes the most important information and captures the reader's attention.

Citation: A reference to the source of information or quotes used in a news story, which is essential for maintaining credibility and transparency.