1. Writing in AP style By Sarah Bennett “There are 8 million stories in the naked city.” AP helps you tell them.

2. What is AP Style? Journalists and public relations professionals use Associated Press Style Journalists and public relations professionals use Associated Press Style A new edition of the stylebook was published in 2009. A new edition of the stylebook was published in 2009. The AP Stylebook is a guide for capitalization, abbreviation, spelling, numerals and usage. The AP Stylebook is a guide for capitalization, abbreviation, spelling, numerals and usage.

3. Major differences between academic writing and AP Style No reference list or in- text citations. No reference list or in- text citations. Small paragraphs: 1-2 sentences per paragraph. Small paragraphs: 1-2 sentences per paragraph. Clear and concise writing. Avoid wordiness, long sentences, difficult vocabulary and jargon. Clear and concise writing. Avoid wordiness, long sentences, difficult vocabulary and jargon. AP Style allows contractions. AP Style allows contractions.

4. Finding information in the AP Stylebook Information is listed alphabetically. Information is listed alphabetically. Example: “Titles” is under T and “composition titles” is under C. Example: “Titles” is under T and “composition titles” is under C. Many entries will point the reader to other entries within the stylebook for more information. Many entries will point the reader to other entries within the stylebook for more information. The actual stylebook makes up most of the AP Stylebook; however, there are also a chapters on punctuation, media law, and sports and business writing. The actual stylebook makes up most of the AP Stylebook; however, there are also a chapters on punctuation, media law, and sports and business writing.

5. Paraphrasing When paraphrasing information, attribute it to a source at the beginning or end of a sentence. When paraphrasing information, attribute it to a source at the beginning or end of a sentence. Example: Several factors could determine how quickly a fire engulfs a resident’s room, Frederick said. Example: Several factors could determine how quickly a fire engulfs a resident’s room, Frederick said. Important rule: It is always said. Don’t use pointed out, claimed or any other verb that could be perceived as biased. Important rule: It is always said. Don’t use pointed out, claimed or any other verb that could be perceived as biased. A person’s name or a pronoun always precedes said. A person’s name or a pronoun always precedes said.

6. Paraphrasing, cont. Always attribute information that came from a source and is not general knowledge. Always attribute information that came from a source and is not general knowledge. As with academic writing, when in doubt, cite. As with academic writing, when in doubt, cite.

7. Direct quotes If the quote is one sentence, attribution for direct quotes goes at the end of the quote. If the quote is one sentence, attribution for direct quotes goes at the end of the quote. Example: “Shouting is not going to help,” McCaskill said. Example: “Shouting is not going to help,” McCaskill said. If the quote is more than one sentence, the attribution goes after the first sentence and before the rest of the quote. If the quote is more than one sentence, the attribution goes after the first sentence and before the rest of the quote. Example: “My job is to represent the people of Missouri,” she said. “Period.” Example: “My job is to represent the people of Missouri,” she said. “Period.” See entry “quotations in the news” in the AP Stylebook See entry “quotations in the news” in the AP Stylebook

8. Commas in a series AP Style deletes the comma in a series that comes before the conjunction. AP Style deletes the comma in a series that comes before the conjunction. Example: It contained a bed, desk, posters and other items one would find in a typical dorm room. Example: It contained a bed, desk, posters and other items one would find in a typical dorm room. See the “comma” entry in the punctuation guideline chapter of the AP Stylebook. See the “comma” entry in the punctuation guideline chapter of the AP Stylebook.

9. Capitalization Capitalize common nouns when they are part of a full name. Capitalize common nouns when they are part of a full name. Example: The Democratic Party holds the majority in the Senate. Example: The Democratic Party holds the majority in the Senate. Some words derive from a proper noun and depend on that word for their meaning. These should be capitalized. Some words derive from a proper noun and depend on that word for their meaning. These should be capitalized. Examples: Christian, English, Marxism Examples: Christian, English, Marxism Other words no longer depend on proper nouns for their meaning and do not need to be capitalized. Other words no longer depend on proper nouns for their meaning and do not need to be capitalized. Example: french fries Example: french fries See the “capitalization” entry in the AP Stylebook. See the “capitalization” entry in the AP Stylebook.

10. Trademarked words Words that are trademarked are always capitalized. Words that are trademarked are always capitalized. Examples: Ferris wheel, Frisbee, Kitty Litter, Dumpster, Taser Examples: Ferris wheel, Frisbee, Kitty Litter, Dumpster, Taser Trademarked words should be avoided if possible. Instead, use generic terms like cat box filler or trash receptacle. Trademarked words should be avoided if possible. Instead, use generic terms like cat box filler or trash receptacle. See the “trademark” entry in the AP Stylebook. See the “trademark” entry in the AP Stylebook.

11. Titles Titles are capitalized only when used before a name. Titles are capitalized only when used before a name. Examples: President Barack Obama addressed the nation last night. Examples: President Barack Obama addressed the nation last night. The president resigned from office. The president resigned from office. Put long titles after names for easier readability. A title with more than two words is generally considered long. Put long titles after names for easier readability. A title with more than two words is generally considered long. Example: Steve Robinette, acting assistant provost of the extended campus, said it would be easier for Pang to work more with her father. Example: Steve Robinette, acting assistant provost of the extended campus, said it would be easier for Pang to work more with her father.

12. Titles, cont. An exception: When attributing information to a source with a long title, it is acceptable to put said before the name to avoid confusing. An exception: When attributing information to a source with a long title, it is acceptable to put said before the name to avoid confusing. Example: “I don’t think the numbers were drastically different,” said Jane Robison, director of the International Center. Example: “I don’t think the numbers were drastically different,” said Jane Robison, director of the International Center.

13. Titles, cont. Titles that are descriptive of occupations should not be capitalized. Titles that are descriptive of occupations should not be capitalized. Example: assistant coach Mike Jones Example: assistant coach Mike Jones Do not use courtesy titles like “Mr.” or “Mrs.” Do not use courtesy titles like “Mr.” or “Mrs.” Only include political party affiliations when relevant to story. Approaches to identifying party affiliation: Only include political party affiliations when relevant to story. Approaches to identifying party affiliation: Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., said See the “titles” entry in the AP Stylebook. See the “titles” entry in the AP Stylebook.

14. Composition titles Principle words in titles are capitalized, including prepositions or conjunctions of four or more letters. Principle words in titles are capitalized, including prepositions or conjunctions of four or more letters. Examples: “Gone With the Wind” “Courage Under Fire” Examples: “Gone With the Wind” “Courage Under Fire” Articles are capitalized when they are the first or last word in a title. Articles are capitalized when they are the first or last word in a title. Example: “The Last Unicorn” Example: “The Last Unicorn” AP Style requires quotation marks around titles, not italics or underlining. AP Style requires quotation marks around titles, not italics or underlining. The Bible, reference books and software programs do not need quotations. The Bible, reference books and software programs do not need quotations. See the “composition titles” entry in the AP Stylebook. See the “composition titles” entry in the AP Stylebook.

15. Abbreviations United States is abbreviated as U.S. United States is abbreviated as U.S. Abbreviate these titles before a full name: Dr., Gov., Lt. Gov., Rep., the Rev. and Sen. Spell out all of these titles (except Dr.) before a name in a quotation. No courtesy titles. Abbreviate these titles before a full name: Dr., Gov., Lt. Gov., Rep., the Rev. and Sen. Spell out all of these titles (except Dr.) before a name in a quotation. No courtesy titles. Do not use Dr. as a title for a professor. Use doctorate degree and only establish academic credentials when it’s relevant to the story. Do not use Dr. as a title for a professor. Use doctorate degree and only establish academic credentials when it’s relevant to the story.

16. Abbreviations, cont. Most abbreviations are spelled out on first reference and abbreviated on second reference. Most abbreviations are spelled out on first reference and abbreviated on second reference. Example: Agency for International Development (AID) Example: Agency for International Development (AID) Some abbreviations are acceptable in all references such as FBI, CIA and AFL-CIO Some abbreviations are acceptable in all references such as FBI, CIA and AFL-CIO After a name, abbreviate junior or senior as Jr. or Sr. After a name, abbreviate junior or senior as Jr. or Sr. After the name of a business, abbreviate company, corporation, incorporated and limited. After the name of a business, abbreviate company, corporation, incorporated and limited. See the “abbreviations and acronyms” entry in the AP Stylebook. See the “abbreviations and acronyms” entry in the AP Stylebook.

17. Dates When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate: Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. Spell out March, April, May, June and July. When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate: Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. Spell out March, April, May, June and July. Spell out months when used alone or with a year only. Spell out months when used alone or with a year only.

18. State abbreviations Spell out all names of states when they stand alone. Spell out all names of states when they stand alone. Eight states are never abbreviated: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Utah. Eight states are never abbreviated: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Utah. All other states are abbreviated when used with the name of a city, town, etc., whether in datelines or in text. All other states are abbreviated when used with the name of a city, town, etc., whether in datelines or in text. Some cities, such as New York City, St. Louis or Chicago, do not need a state after them. Some cities, such as New York City, St. Louis or Chicago, do not need a state after them.

19. Alabama: Ala. Alabama: Ala. Arizona: Ariz. Arizona: Ariz. Arkansas: Ark. Arkansas: Ark. California: Calif. California: Calif. Colorado: Colo. Colorado: Colo. Connecticut: Conn. Connecticut: Conn. Delaware: Del. Delaware: Del. Florida: Fla. Florida: Fla. Georgia: Ga. Georgia: Ga. Illinois: Ill. Illinois: Ill. Indiana: Ind. Indiana: Ind. Kansas: Kan. Kansas: Kan. Kentucky: Ky. Kentucky: Ky. Louisiana: La. Louisiana: La. Massachusetts: Mass. Massachusetts: Mass. Michigan: Mich. Michigan: Mich. Minnesota: Minn. Minnesota: Minn. Mississippi: Miss. Mississippi: Miss. Missouri: Mo. Missouri: Mo. Montana: Mont. Montana: Mont. Nebraska: Neb. Nebraska: Neb. Nevada: Nev. Nevada: Nev. New Hampshire: N.H. New Hampshire: N.H. New Jersey: N.J. New Jersey: N.J. New Mexico: N.M. New Mexico: N.M. New York: N.Y. New York: N.Y. North Carolina: N.C. North Carolina: N.C. North Dakota: N.D. North Dakota: N.D. Oklahoma: Okla. Oklahoma: Okla. Oregon: Ore. Oregon: Ore. Pennsylvania: Penn. Pennsylvania: Penn. Rhode Island: R.I. Rhode Island: R.I. South Caroline: S.C. South Caroline: S.C. South Dakota: S.D. South Dakota: S.D. Tennessee: Tenn. Tennessee: Tenn. Vermont: Vt. Vermont: Vt. Virginia: Va. Virginia: Va. Washington: Wash. Washington: Wash. West Virginia: W.Va. West Virginia: W.Va. Wisconsin: Wis. Wisconsin: Wis. Wyoming: Wyo. Wyoming: Wyo.

20. Prefixes Use a hyphen if the prefix ends in a vowel and the word that follows begins with the same vowel. Use a hyphen if the prefix ends in a vowel and the word that follows begins with the same vowel. Examples: re-entry, anti-inflammatory Examples: re-entry, anti-inflammatory Cooperate and coordinate are exceptions to this Cooperate and coordinate are exceptions to this Use a hyphen if the word that follows is capitalized. Use a hyphen if the word that follows is capitalized. Example: The soundtrack was written by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Example: The soundtrack was written by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney.

21. Compound Modifiers When a compound modifier precedes a noun, use hyphens to link all the words in the compound, except very or all adverbs ending in – ly. When a compound modifier precedes a noun, use hyphens to link all the words in the compound, except very or all adverbs ending in – ly. Examples: full-time job, second-rate play Examples: full-time job, second-rate play See the “hyphen” entry in the guide to punctuation chapter of the AP Stylebook. See the “hyphen” entry in the guide to punctuation chapter of the AP Stylebook.

22. Numbers Spell out one through nine. Use figures for 10 and up. Spell out one through nine. Use figures for 10 and up. If a sentence begins with a numeral, either spell it out or rewrite the sentence. Figures for years are the exception. If a sentence begins with a numeral, either spell it out or rewrite the sentence. Figures for years are the exception. Always use numerals for ratios and ages. Always use numerals for ratios and ages.

23. Numbers, cont. For dimensions, use figures and spell out inches, feet, etc. For dimensions, use figures and spell out inches, feet, etc. Example: She is 5 feet 4 inches tall. Example: She is 5 feet 4 inches tall. For percentages, write out percent. Do not use the % sign. For percentages, write out percent. Do not use the % sign. Use numerals for decimal points. Use numerals for decimal points. Example: Unemployment increased 1.7 percent this year. Example: Unemployment increased 1.7 percent this year. See the “numerals” entry in the AP Stylebook. See the “numerals” entry in the AP Stylebook.

24. Money Use a $ sign and numerals for an exact figure. Use a $ sign and numerals for an exact figure. For amounts less than a dollar, use numerals. For amounts less than a dollar, use numerals. Example: It cost 99 cents. Example: It cost 99 cents. Use a $ sign and numerals to two decimal points for amounts of $1 million and up. Use a $ sign and numerals to two decimal points for amounts of $1 million and up. Example: The plan costs $74.91 million. Example: The plan costs $74.91 million. Spell out special cases. Spell out special cases. Example: She loaned me a dollar. Example: She loaned me a dollar.

25. Apostrophes For singular common nouns ending in s, add ‘s unless the next word begins with s. For singular common nouns ending in s, add ‘s unless the next word begins with s. The waitress’s order book, the waitress’ sugar The waitress’s order book, the waitress’ sugar For singular proper names ending in s, use only an apostrophe. For singular proper names ending in s, use only an apostrophe. Jesus’ disciples, Phyllis’ refrigerator Jesus’ disciples, Phyllis’ refrigerator See the “possessives” entry in the AP Stylebook as well as the “apostrophe” entry in the punctuation guideline. See the “possessives” entry in the AP Stylebook as well as the “apostrophe” entry in the punctuation guideline.

26. Spelling guidelines Adviser, not advisor Adviser, not advisor See also: protester See also: protester OK, not okay OK, not okay E-mail, not email E-mail, not email Doughnut, not donut Doughnut, not donut Toward, not towards Toward, not towards See also: backward, forward, afterward, etc. See also: backward, forward, afterward, etc. Health care, not healthcare Health care, not healthcare See also: all right, not alright See also: all right, not alright

27. Word choice The stylebook is particular about words with similar but different meanings. The stylebook is particular about words with similar but different meanings. Examples: adopt, approve, enact and pass Examples: adopt, approve, enact and pass Adopt or approve: amendments, ordinances, resolutions and rules are adopted or approved. Adopt or approve: amendments, ordinances, resolutions and rules are adopted or approved. Pass: bills are passed. Pass: bills are passed. Enact: laws are enacted. Enact: laws are enacted. Allude and refer Allude and refer Allude: to allude to something is to speak of it without specifically mentioning it. Allude: to allude to something is to speak of it without specifically mentioning it. Refer: to refer is to mention it directly. Refer: to refer is to mention it directly.

28. Writing Center Michael Frizell, Director Bear CLAW (Center for Learning and Writing) Meyer 1 st Floor WEB: http://Writingcenter.Missouristate.ed u (417) 836-6398