Alaska, hawaii, idaho, iowa, maine, ohio, texas and utah. According to the ap style book, dates should be formatted as such dates always use numerical figures, without st, nd, rd, or th. In 1987, the secretary of commerce switched to the more commonly used twoletter postal code abbreviations. In line with this, use state of washington or washington state to differentiate the state from the district of columbia. Use the aps state abbreviations with place names only in lists and tabular material, or shortform listings of party affiliation. Heres a refresher course what the ap stylebook says for datelines and cities that stand alone in datelines the domestic list of cities that stand alone is on page 79 of the 2010 ap stylebook, and it is a good idea to mark this page with a sticky note of some sort so it is easy to find and you never list the state, country or territory unnecessarily.
Jan 24, 2020 some writers and editors still prefer to use the older forms of state abbreviations see traditional abbreviations in the table below, though this is rare. An interactive geography lesson about abbreviations of states. The associated press has a stylebook with rules and standards used primarily in journalistic and news writing. Within a paragraph, capitalize the word after a colon if it is a proper name or if it begins a complete sentence. Style and punctuation uw brand university of washington. Following is the breakdown between ap style and chicago style. Datelines datelines on stories should contain a city name. The following choices will describe your meaning more accurately. How to use commas in associated press style pen and the pad.
Abbreviations for states and provinces traditional abbreviations for states and provinces begin with a capital letter and end with a period. The names of each state represent specific places and must be capitalized. Ap style holds that a few universally recognized abbreviations are required in some instances and some other abbreviations are acceptable depending on the context, but in general, as a writer, you should avoid having your writing appear as if its alphabet soup. As it is necessary, use new york state to differentiate the state of new york from new york city. The ap style as its known in the trade is quite different from the new york times style or chicago manual of style. In narrative text, use a persons full name at first reference.
Choose from 196 different sets of state abbreviations ap style flashcards on quizlet. State abbreviations according to ap style gatehouse newsroom. Ap stylebook rules for datelines, cities that stand alone. Abbreviations for states use postal service style, rather than ap style. When the name of a state name appears in the body of a text, spell it out. To subscribe to the associated press stylebook online, or to find out about purchasing hard copies of the book. The associated press stylebook, first published in 1977, clarified the news organizations rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage. Place one comma between the city and the state name, and another after the state name. Ap style does use periods in most twoletter abbreviations. The names of eight states are never abbreviated in datelines or text. However, the chicago manual of style now recommends use of the uppercase twoletter abbreviations, with the.
Ap style does not require the name of a state to accompany the names of the. Ap editor david minthorn fields questions of widest interest posed by subscribers to the online ap stylebook. When the name of a city and state are used together, the name of the state should be abbreviated except for alaska, hawaii, idaho, iowa, maine, ohio, texas and utah. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and many other questions of language usage. The best ap style cheat sheet every writer needs free. Ap stylebook online is a searchable, customizable resource for writers and editors. The writers of most content creation companies usually write using a popular style guide ap, apa, chicago, mla mixed with a house style. Aug 15, 2019 if youd like a more visually appealing way to reference ap style state name abbreviations, save this map weve created with all the names you need. Some writers and editors still prefer to use the older forms of state abbreviations see traditional abbreviations in the table below, though this is rare. Spell out the names of all states when used alone and in body text. This is intended as a quick rundown or cheat sheet.
Keep in mind that ap changed the rules for using state abbreviations in the body of a story, and you now spell out the names of all 50 u. Currently, most state names are abbreviated in stories. The only exception to this is when you are referring. In ap style, the names of newspapers and magazines are not italicized or set off in quotation marks. 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. Use abbreviations and acronyms sparingly, only when nothing else works. Every state in the united states has a specific abbreviation.
If a states name is standing alone or in conjunction with a city or town in your text, spell out the entire states name. Before we begin to enlist the abbreviations, it is mandatory for one to learn and garner information about what ap is, with a brief, supplementary note on the history of the same. At bka, we prefer ap style, which is a standard in journalism. Spiralbound book, updated each spring 2019 ap stylebook. Effective may 1, the ap will spell out state names in the body of stories. The 2016 edition of the gpo style manual is the first revision to be issued under gpos new name, u. On wednesday, professor james currier, who has a doctorate in biology and a masters in economics, will argue that improving automobile fuel efficiency from an average of 17 to 22 miles per gallon would save billions of dollars and protect endangered. Associated press website faq this faq webpage from the ap is a great source of information on current issues of grammar, style, punctuation, abbreviations, and other style questions. The associated press stylebook, the usage guide for most united states newspapers, counsels the use of abbreviations for most state names, when appended to a city name for example, santa ana, calif. This article explains the capitalization of state names. Ap style recommends spelling out state names in the body of stories effective may 1, 2014 and using abbreviations in datelines. Ap is not done rocking the journalism world with style changes. Listed in this supplement are exceptions to, and situations not covered in, the associated press stylebook. Many public relations offices and publications, such as magazines and newspapers, use ap style as a standardized writing style.
The associated press was founded in 1848 as a cooperative effort among six new york. However, the chicago manual of style now recommends use of the uppercase twoletter abbreviations, with the traditional forms as an option. The national rifle association announced on monday it will move its state headquarters to the erickson building. The associated press stylebook states that in contexts other than mailing addresses, the traditional state abbreviations should be used. So, i am providing a reference for those who may be interested. Which cities dont need a state abbreviation in ap style. Its mobile optimized so you can use it on your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. However, there are a few other grammar rules to be aware of when it comes to writing the names of states. For slide presentations of ap style basics, go here.
Sep 19, 2012 professional journalists and business communicators in the united states commonly write in associated press ap style. 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. Follow these associated press guidelines for the u. States should also be abbreviated when used as part of a shortform political affiliation. There are exceptions where the first name may be used on its own in subsequent references, but this is much more casual. Spell out all generic parts of street names avenue, north, road.
Associated press style quick reference guide to subscribe to the associated press stylebook online, or to find out about purchasing hard copies of the book, start here. If an acronym would not be clear to the intended audience on second reference without this arrangement, do not use it. Ap style holds to the general rule of lowercasing compass directions and capitalizing regions. Professional journalists and business communicators in the united states commonly write in associated press ap style. Mastering the ap style rules for abbreviations bka content. Books and magazines often italicize newspaper names as well as book titles and magazine names as part of their inhouse style. However, when referring to a city and the state in which it is located, although chicago recommends retaining the spelledout version of the state name san diego, california, ap style calls for abbreviating the state name san diego, calif. American forces press service supplement to the associated.
Test your knowledge on this miscellaneous quiz to see how you do and compare your score to others. Do not use periods in abbreviations that are in headlines. Ap style dictates specific comma placement in a series and with dialogue, dates, numbers. 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. Generally ap style omits periods in acronyms, unless doing so would spell an unrelated word. Although it is sold as a guide for reporters, it has become the leading reference. Ap style state abbreviations for press release dateline follow these associated press guidelines for the u. Do not capitalize federal, state, department, division, board. Select the sentence free of errors in ap style for abbreviations for print publications. Here is a sampling of frequently asked questions, with examples of ap style used. When abbreviating the state names, dont make the mistake of using the postal code abbreviations.
Lowercase is preferred unless it is in the state s name south dakota but southern illinois. A refreshing ap stylebook refresher on datelines and. There is indeed a science and art behind writing a press release. Remember that, in datelines, the city name is in all capital letters. 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. If necessary, follow it with the state abbreviation not the u.
For subsequent references, use only the persons last name, per ap style and common journalistic practice. Do not follow an organizations full name with an abbreviation or acronym in parentheses or set off by dashes. Then, use only their last name on subsequent mentions. The associated press style is the goto style for journalism and news writing. If you want to know all about the ap style state abbreviations, you have been a wise soul to click on this article. What follows are summaries of some of the most common style rules. There are quite a few rules in the ap stylebook for state names and ap style state abbreviations. Spell out the names of the states whether standing alone or with a place name. Jul 21, 2016 im a huge fan of abbreviations because they make communication easier and spare me from unnecessary typing.
In order to create a playlist on sporcle, you need to verify the email address you used during registration. Learn state abbreviations ap style with free interactive flashcards. In this post, we will summarize all of the ap stylebook state abbreviations rules. May 21, 2009 for words not in this book use the firstlisted abbreviation in websters new world college dictionary. Youll find the list of acceptable abbreviations under state names in the hardcover and digital version of the ap stylebook. For example, they can be used in writing after a city like in miami, fla. The main objective of any type of writing is to help people understand what you are trying to say and explain. Abbreviate junior or senior directly after a name, with no comma to set it off. Apr 23, 2014 ap is not done rocking the journalism world with style changes. 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. The traditional abbreviations are still commonly used in other ways besides mailing addresses. No state name is necessary if its the same as the dateline. Welcome to ask the editor, a forum on writing, style and phrasing issues that go beyond the pages of the ap stylebook.
Days of the week days of the week should be capitalized and not abbreviated. Ap suggests spelling out the names of alaska, hawaii, and all states with five or fewer letters. Plase one comma between the city and the state name, and another comma after the state name, unless ending a sentence or indicating a dateline. For words not in this book use the firstlisted abbreviation in websters new world college dictionary. Election terminology, writing with context and cliches to avoid are included. The following guidance went out on the ap wire wednesday. The associated press stylebook and briefing on media law official style guide of the. The thumb rule for the basic ap style state abbreviations is that one should never abbreviate the term if the readers will face difficulty in figuring out what the actual term is. Effective may 1, the ap will spell out state names in the body of. Of course, use state abbreviations in conjunction with the name.
Writing center quick reference associate press style guide. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as. Generally, omit periods in acronyms unless the result would spell an unrelated word. Ae is used for armed forces in europe, the middle east, africa, and canada. Ap style state abbreviations differ from their corresponding us postal service abbreviations, are in parentheses. 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. The guidelines help writers present clear and concise information with consistent structure to keep readers focused. Neither means that the usual headlinestyle or titlestyle caps still apply, but the titlename is naked as far as quotes and italics are concerned.
This handout will provide an introduction to ap style and a summary of common rules. This module aims to meet most of these requirements. The purpose of a style guide is to provide editorial guidance for individuals producing collegerelated text, for print or the web, particularly in instances when empire state college has determined a style specific to the institution. The ap therefore strives to keep its writing style easy to read, concise and free of bias. Now in its sixth edition, the stylebook is the standard style. Since 1894, the gpo style manual has served as a guide to the style and form of federal government printing and publishing. Postal service abbreviations for states unless you.
Ap stylebook says state abbreviations are used in both datelines and in text. A refreshing ap stylebook refresher on datelines and places. The best ap style cheat sheet every writer needs free download. Ap itself along with gi and eu are exceptions to this rule. Use the twoletter postal service abbreviations only with full addresses, including zip code. Mar 14, 2015 below is a list of ap style state abbreviations. Any state name may be condensed, however, to fit typographical requirements for tabular material. There are exceptions where the first name may be used on its own in subsequent. Using correct ap style for book, movie, and song titles. American forces press service supplement to the associated press stylebook effective april 2, 2012 american forces press service uses associated press style.
Associated press ap citation and style guides libguides. These abbreviations short names were used in mailing addresses before the introduction of twoletter u. Mar 24, 2016 keep in mind that ap changed the rules for using state abbreviations in the body of a story, and you now spell out the names of all 50 u. Postal and traditional state abbreviations reference guide. In this post, we will summarize all of the ap stylebook state. Also, be sure to use a lowercase state in both of these instances to avoid any confusion. Spell out the names of the 50 states when they stand alone in. The good news the positive here is that the grammar gods dont care either way, so if these rules arent in line with your house style or your clients way of writing, then scrap the.