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Have a question about something not included in the AP Stylebook or a fine point? Please review the questions below. If you can't find what you're looking for, Search the System -- your question may already be answered in the AP Stylebook. Online subscribers can submit questions to "Ask the Editor" which will be reviewed by AP editor David Minthorn. To purchase a book or online subscription, please visit APBookstore.com, or return to APStylebook.com.
| Question and Editor Response |
"You should stay up to date on new strategies." Should "up to date" be hyphenated in this instance? Thanks. – from Anne, New York, NY on Thu, Jul 24, 2008
No hyphens in this adverb usage. As a adjective, it's hyphenated. | Do I need to insert a "TM" symbol after every reference to a brand or should it only be on first reference in a story? – from Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Jul 24, 2008
AP doesn't use TM. See archives and "trademark" entry. | If a list begins with a dash followed by a numeral greater than nine, is the numeral spelled out, per AP numerals entry, or written out, per the dash entry (Capitalize the first word after the dash)?
Consequences may include:
--30 (Thirty?) days of community service.
--$1500 in fines. – from Eagan, MN on Thu, Jul 24, 2008
See SENTENCE START in "numerals" entry:
--Thirty days of community service.
--Fines of $1,500. | For the Olympics: Opening Ceremony or opening ceremony or Opening Ceremonies or opening ceremonies? (Same with Closing/closing). – from Denver on Thu, Jul 24, 2008
lowercase opening ceremony or ceremonies (AP stories use both singular and plural). | In the acronyms question/answer, about capitalizing only when each individual letter is pronounced, why the exception for NASCAR/Nascar? – from Denver on Thu, Jul 24, 2008
NASCAR qualifies as a six-letter acronym, along with its separate listing in stylebook and Webster's usage. Admittedly, spellings of acronyms are fraught with exceptions. Previous response has been amended. | Thanks for your answer to my border question. Here's a follow-up: Would it be, then, the "Mexico" border or the "Mexican" border? Thank you. – from Los Angeles on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
Mexican border, or Mexico's border. | Without recasting, how would the AP write borders? For example, would it be the "Texas-Mexico" border or the "Texan-Mexican" border? – from Los Angeles on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
Texas-Mexico border. | Is the term, ace in a day, ace-in-a-day or Ace in a Day, for a WWII fighter pilot who shot down five or more planes in a day? – from Ocala, Fla. on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
ace in a day, probably in quotes on first reference. | When referring to a specific emergency room (St. Joseph's ER) should "emergency room" be capitalized? – from Hot Springs, AR on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
Lowercase emergency room as a generic term. Every hospital has at least one. | Can Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, etc. without the word "degree"? – from Houston, Texas on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
Yes, and typically written with the major: Bachelor of Science in mathematics, Bachelor of Arts in English. | Would you use punctuation in a vertical list that contains single words or phrases that complete an introductory sentence followed by a colon. An example is, "Have the following information ready: [bulleted list]" – from Princeton, NJ on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
AP uses dashes, not bullets, for lists in news stories that follow a colon. After each dash, capitalize the first letter and use periods at the end of each section. | Webster's NWCD4E lists both "sprang" and "sprung" as "alt. pt." of spring, with "sprung" also listed as the "pp." Does AP have a preference for the past tense of spring? – from Tampa, Fla. on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
I don't detect a clear preference in AP stories for the past tense of spring. Even a familiar phrase is written both ways, depending on the individual writer: sprang a leak, sprung a leak. | Hi, I had the question about polls that got cut off: Specifically, a poll found 51% of voters plan to vote against a measure, 42% are for it and 7% are unsure, with a margin of error of 4 pctg points. In a case like that, would it be OK to say a majority are against it, or would there have to be more then the margin of error above 50% against it to say that? – from california on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
Mike Mokrzycki, AP's director of polling: I lean toward calling the "cons" a "bare majority." Yes it is possible that because of sampling, less than a majority oppose the measure. Then again, 51% is the most likely result, statistically speaking. Also, given the range of possible results within sampling error (47% to 55% against), a majority is more likely than merely a plurality.
If the member said "half plan to vote against" that could imply that half would vote for it, at least initially, until the percentages are reported and the statistically significant difference between "against" and "for" becomes clear. | Do I have the hyphenation (or lack thereof) correct in both of the following? "A family-owned and -operated restaurant..." and "The restaurant was family owned and operated." Thanks! – on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
Yes. In second instance, even though the combinations follow a form of the verb "to be," they don't require hyphens for clarity. | Would you capitalize the words whose initials make up an acronym, as in the following: "The Tip-Over Protective Structure (TOPS) folds down..."? Thanks for your help. – from Des Moines, IA on Thu, Jul 24, 2008
Make it Tops. Use all caps in acronyms when each individual letter is pronounced. See "abbreviations and acronyms" entry. (correction: deletes "only" before when.) | if saying, "That is what the tenth commandment says" Would "tenth commandment be capitalized? – from ellijay, GA on Tue, Jul 22, 2008
Ten Commandments is capitalized, but lowercase the individual commandments. | Is it now acceptable to use headquarter as a verb? ("...headquartered in Alexandria, VA"?). apstylebook.com does so in a number of entries (Humane Society, AOL, Ringling Bros., etc.), but my hardcopy stylebook (2006) says not to do so. Please advise. – from Des Moines, IA on Tue, Jul 22, 2008
The 2008 AP Stylebook dropped that rule. Webster's and other dictionaries list headquarter as a verb. | Hi David, is AP style to include foreign abbreviations for companies in their titles? For example, Sdn and Bhd when referring to Malaysian corporations? – from Taipei on Mon, Jul 21, 2008
AP financial news stories use such abbreviations: Aero Ventures Sdn. Bhd., Petronas Carigali Sdn. Bhd. General news stories normally shorten the title: Malaysia's national oil company Petronas. | Which is preferred? Bachelor of Science degree in accounting - or Bachelor of Science in accounting? In other words, does "degree" need to be included? – from Houston, Texas on Mon, Jul 21, 2008
Either is fine: Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, or bachelor's degree in accounting. | I was always taught to follow AP Style is there a different way to write for Web that follows different rules? – from Tampa, Fl on Mon, Jul 21, 2008
For AP writers and editors, the same style guidance applies for all formats. I have no knowledge of different rules for Web writing. | In second reference, is the "al" necessary in Nouri al-Maliki's name, i.e., "al-Maliki" or "Maliki"? – from Los Angeles on Mon, Jul 21, 2008
Yes, al-Maliki on following references. | Why does AP prefer commas to parentheses in cutlines? Seems like the directional would be parenthetical information. – from Mount Pleasant, S.C. on Mon, Jul 21, 2008
Check PHOTO CAPTIONS section of stylebook for the format. | Does AP have a preference on use of the word "believes" in stories? I've heard from several sources to avoid it in favor of something like "says he thinks," because you can't know what someone believes, and I think might agree, but I'd like your thoughts. – from Mount Pleasant, S.C. on Mon, Jul 21, 2008
AP has no problem using believes in news stories. Webster's definition covers the waterfront: to take as true, real; to have confidence in a statement or promise; to suppose or think. | Do you prefer "outdoors enthusiast" or "outdoor enthusiast"? – from Nashville, TN on Mon, Jul 21, 2008
outdoor enthusiast, based on Webster's definitions: outdoor (adj.), outdoors (adv., n.) | A group of visiting artists from Taiwan wants the country of origin called "Chinese Taipei" instead of Taiwan. The Stylebook's Taiwan entry does not address this. What does AP recommend? – from Asheville, NC on Sun, Jul 20, 2008
AP uses Taiwan in references to the government in Taiwan and to the island itself. Taiwan competes in the Olympics as "Chinese Taipei." | Is there any way that changes or expansions to AP style that come up here could automatically be placed in the online stylebook, too. That would cut down one search when we're looking for something. – from Camarillo, Calif. on Sat, Jul 19, 2008
Ask the Editor interprets the stylebook. Any changes are posted in the online stylebook. | If the term iPod is used, does it need to be accompanied by a trademark symbol? This will be used in an advertisement (not for Apple). – from Chicago, IL on Fri, Jul 18, 2008
The trademark name is written iPod in news stories. Symbols aren't used. | Please settle two brouhahas over correct AP punctuation. In the sentence, "Sign up online and get a free widget," should a comma precede the "and"? And would the AP hyphenate "hassle-free," as in "We're committed to making your experience hassle-free."
Thanks. – from NC on Fri, Jul 18, 2008
No comma in the sentence. No hyphen in this usage; see COMPOUND MODIFIERS section of stylebook's "hyphen(-)" entry. | What is the rule for listing names of cities or countries or people? Is it alphabetical, order of importance, or what? – from Dallas, TX on Fri, Jul 18, 2008
Normally alphabetical, if there is no other sorting hierarchy, such as ranks of individuals or the like. | How do you handle bands or companies that use all caps in their names? Example: RATT (a band). Do you follow the capitalization given on the official Web sites for the bands and companies, or just use an initial cap? – from Seattle, WA on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
AP stories spell it Ratt. That's the pattern for other such names. | "He made some common sense remarks."
Should "common sense" be hyphenated when used as an adjective, as above? – from Atlanta, GA on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
Yes, based on Webster's guidance for the adjective form. | Has the previously incorrect usage "put them on the defensive" now become acceptable? – from Alameda, CA on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
"on the defensive" is widely accepted. | The Chicago Manual of Style gives this exception for corporate titles: " 8.22Exceptions to the general rule
In formal contexts as opposed to running text, such as a displayed list of donors in the front matter of a book or a list of corporate officers in an annual report, titles are usually capitalized even when following a personal name. Exceptions may also be called for in promotional or othe – on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
In AP style, formal titles are capitalized when used directly before a name and lowercase when used after a name or alone. See "titles" entry for details. | I found conflicting answers to questions about whether "listserv" is a trademark or generic in the FAQs. Should it be capped? – from Chicago on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
Yes, cap it as a trademark name. It's sometimes used generically but shouldn't be. | In writing, "Jim Smith is the new director of sales," should "sales" ever be capitalized if it is referring to a department name? – from Greene, NY on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
AP lowercases director of sales and sales department. | Spanish Flu or Spanish flu? – from Atlanta, GA on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
lowercase flu. | Would the placement of B.C. and A.D. be correct in this sentence: "He can discuss the Ancient Olympics (776 B.C.-A.D. 393)." – from Houston, TX on Thu, Jul 17, 2008
Correct. | Is day care hyphenated when used as a modifier, as in "day-care provider"? – from Fargo, N.D. on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
See "day care" entry in the stylebook: two words, no hyphen, in all cases. | I've been taken to task by a reader for using the term Congressional Medal of Honor. He maintains that the official title of the nation's highest military award is simply Medal of Honor. Who is correct? – from Roosevelt, Utah on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
See "Medal of Honor" entry. It is the correct title of the nation's highest military award, awarded by Congress for risk of life in combat beyond the call of duty. | Is the term "highly qualified" hyphenated in the following example: A highly qualified workforce is what this state needs. – from Ohio on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
No hyphen. See "-ly" entry in stylebook. | When is it or is it ever appropriate to write phrases like newly founded stardom with a dash between newly and founded? – from Ohio on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
No hyphen. See "-ly" entry in stylebook. | We have many instructions and lists that we provide to our staff. If they are numbered instructions should each item be ended with a period or just the last item? Or no periods at all? – from Washington, D.C. on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
Yes, end each numbered instruction with a period. | I didn't see an AP preference regarding unequaled vs. unequalled. The second construction mirrors the adverb form. Webster's lists both as acceptable. Thanks. – from dearborn, mi on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
AP spells it unequaled, based on stylebook's "equal, equaled, equaling" entry. | Is AP style still copay and copayment, as opposed to co-pay and co-payment? The no-hyphen versions look strange. – from jweigle@venturacountystar.com on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
Yes, copay and copayment. Check "co-" entry for explanation. | Hi, David,
Under Boy Scouts entry, the AP Stylebook says members are Boys Scouts or Scouts. What about their leaders _ are they Scoutmasters or scoutmasters with or without a name or capitalized just before a name? Thanks. – from Syracuse, NY on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
AP lowercases scoutmaster in these instances. | is the H in SoHo capitalized – on Wed, Jul 16, 2008
Correct. The NYC neighborhood is SoHo. | Is it appropriate to capitalize e-mail at the beginning of a sentence? – on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
E-mail starts this sentence, and it looks fine. | I recently saw on dictionary.com that you can spell aging (how I spell it) both AGING and AGEING. I don't see it anywhere in AP style. How is the proper way according to AP style. Ageing seems weird to me. – from Columbus, OH on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
AP spells it aging. Webster's lists ageing as a secondary spelling. | "Postconsumer" or "post-consumer"? Thanks. – from Portland, Ore. on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
one word in rare uses by AP. | "Enroll between 11/03 through 11/14/08" -- should that be written "enroll Nov. 3-14, 2008" to conform with AP style and good editing practice? Thank you. – from Austin, TX on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
Yes, with comma after 2008 if it's really needed and sentence continues. | Is PVC acceptable on first reference to polyvinyl chloride? – from Mount Pleasant, SC on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
AP stories usually define it with the abbreviation: polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. | "British and Roman empires." Is it correct to lowercase "empires"? Thanks. – from Anne, New York, NY on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
Yes, lowercase the common noun element of these names. | Hi. Is breaststroke one word or two? The dictionary says two words, but all the recent AP stories on the Olympic swimming trials have had it as one word. Thanks. – from Hyannis, MA on Mon, Jul 14, 2008
breaststroke (one word), ditto backstroke. | With the word Web, it appears from the book that when Web is used by itself as a modifier for any word, i.e. Web manager, Web technologies, Web service, the word is capitalized, but not capitalized when it is a part of the word, i.e. webcast, webmaster. Is that true in all cases? – on Mon, Jul 14, 2008
One exception comes to mind: Web-based. | Should the words "financial intermediary" be capitalized in a phrase like "for questions please consult with your Financial Intermediary" where it is not the title of a specific broker? – from Tacoma, WA on Mon, Jul 14, 2008
no. | A reader wrote to complain about "the bands (that/who) perform." Which is correct? One reference book I have says "Who and that are used when referring to persons. Select who when the individual person or the individuality of a group is meant and that when a class, species or type is meant." Does AP subscribe to this? – from Washington, D.C. on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
The bands that perform ... A person can be either a who or that; an inanimate object is a that. See "that, which (pronouns)" entry for elaboration. | Hello,
In the phrase, "John also is involved in car racing", I had been told it should be "also is involved", not "is also involved". Is that correct, or are both ways acceptible? This also comes up in other phrases such as "often is involved", etc.
Thank you!
-Jack – from Santa Rosa, CA on Mon, Jul 14, 2008
There's no AP rule on placement of "also" and similar adverbs. Writer's choice on where to put the emphasis word in the sentence. | It is our agency's standard to follow AP style. Should we use "up" or "down" style for the capitalization of headlines in our press releases, when the stories in question could end up either in print or online? (AP headline style for print is "down" style and AP headline style for online is both "up" and "down" style.) Share thoughts%3B thanks. – from Des Moines, IA on Mon, Jul 14, 2008
Headlines on AP wire stories capitalize the first word and proper nouns. Headlines for AP stories online use either "up" style, capitalizing virtually all words, or "down" style, per wire story style. It's your call. | I work for a Web development firm, is Web and Web site always capitalized no matter what context? We are a Web development firm...we can help design your Web site..let us help with your Web design needs... etc...? – from Tampa, FL on Sat, Jul 12, 2008
Yes, but see stylebook's "Web" entry for lowercase compounds: Web, Web site, Web page, but webcam, webcast, webmaster. | When referring to patients who have been admitted to the hospital, would they be called the "inpatient" population or "in-patient"? Same question for outpatients versus out-patients. Thank you. – from Texas on Fri, Jul 11, 2008
inpatient, outpatient | Which is correct: "the 50 MW power plant" or "the 50-MW power plant" or "the 50MW power plant"? – from Mount Pleasant, SC on Fri, Jul 11, 2008
the 50-megawatt power plant ... 50-MW power plant on second reference. | Would "Over Tighten" be hyphenated, two words, or one? Question used in: "When using the screwdriver, you never over tighten." Webster says one word, all others say different. Please help, thanks. – from Las Vegas, NV on Fri, Jul 11, 2008
Unfound in Webster's or main backup dictionaries. In AP news stories, it's usually hyphenated, over-tighten. | Is the use of the word whom in this sentence correct? Employees are allowed to nominate fellow employees whom they believe have given of their time and energy to their community. Thanks! – from Houston, TX on Fri, Jul 11, 2008
who is the correct pronoun in this subordinate clause (who ... have given time and energy to their community.) | Not a question, but a suggestion:
I've been at three publications now where people think magazine names are supposed to be italicized. They make the mistake of seeing your magazine-name examples in italics and then thinking that's how they're supposed to do it. I explained to them that the Stylebook italicizes most examples.
How about considering adding the line "do not italicize" to t – from Tacoma, WA on Tue, Jul 15, 2008
See the stylebook's "television program titles" entry: (Italics are used here only to illustrate examples; do not use italics on the wires.) Also, the STYLEBOOK KEY notes: Examples of correct and incorrect usage are in italics. | Should "non-hydrogenated" (as an adjective) be hyphenated? – from Seattle, WA on Fri, Jul 11, 2008
It's a little easier to read with a hyphen. | In the water industry, we frequently use the term "public/private partnerships." Which would be the correct way to write it: with a slash (as shown), with a hyphen or with no punctuation at all? (We've found it all 3 ways.) – from Voorhees, NJ on Fri, Jul 11, 2008
See the stylebook's "slash" entry for AP guidance. Public and private partnerships or public-private partnerships are preferable. | Should "irish" in "irish moss" be capitalized? – from Seattle, WA on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
Irish moss is correct. | What about odd dual measurements like this one? Any Commas? Hyphens? "... should limit consumption to two 6 oz. portions of fish per week." – from Charleston, SC on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
spell out ounce in text: ... limit consumption to two 6-ounce portions of fish per week. | Sports question: First reference is "Home Run Derby"... is second reference "the derby" or "the Derby" ? Thanks! – on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
AP stories repeat Home Run Derby on subsequent references, perhaps to differentiate from the equine Derby. | Hi, I saw your answer regarding use of "year round." I was taught by an editor at a publishing company to use "year 'round" unless it was being used as a compound modifier, in which case it'd be "year-round." Was I taught incorrectly or is it basically a style preference? I can't seem to find "year 'round" used anywhere on the Internet. Thank you!
Should "year round" be hyphenated – from Orlando, FL on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
Both as an adjective and an adverb, year-round is hyphenated. | When talking about a child's play area usually with swings, forts, slides, sandboxes, etc., is it correct to say playset, play-set, play set? Most manufacturers use playset, and I can't seem to find any guidelines besides in the punctuation section. Thank you! – on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
play set is favored in AP stories, though some manufacturers spell it as one word. | When you are writing about long term care insurance or long term health care or long term care, etc., is there a hyphen between long and term? – from Akron, Ohio on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
Yes, long-term health care insurance (hyphenate long-term, two words for health care). | Question, would we say "Operations is here to improve the communications of the TAC-SWACAA team to keep us at the highest possible standards, or "and keep us at the highest possible standards" – on Thu, Jul 10, 2008
and makes it a little clearer. | Drag racing, as a noun, isn't to be found in the stylebook, but Webster's says to hyphenate it, which looks silly. And AP stories tend to make it two words. Preference? – from Denver on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
drag racing (two words). | In this sentence, is the comma after "reasons" correct or would it be a semicolon... or maybe hyphen?
"We can give you 8,000 reasons, our legion of independent STIHL dealers nationwide. We count on them every day and so can you." – from Virginia Beach, Va. on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
We can give you 8,000 reasons: Our legion of independent, etc. | Does AP have a style on Texas Hold'em? I've seen it with the "h" sometimes uppercase, other times lowercase and still other instances with holdem as one word. – from Hyannis, MA on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
Texas Hold 'em, though sometimes spelled Hold'em. | I have seen both "link building" and "link-building" in our corporate communications -- which is right? (Question refers to use as a noun, not a modifier.) Thanks! – from Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
In the Web context, it's link building. | If offering an item for purchase, would it be correct to hyphenate the term, "in-store"? The sentence is: The Visa Check card service provides a safe and efficient method for purchasing merchandise in-store, online or over-the-phone.
Thanks so much! – from Brenham, texas on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
Why hyphenate? Better to write in stores or in a store. | "Is acronym "ER" acceptable for emergency room on second reference? – on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
Yes, ER is used on second reference in AP stories, and in headlines. Webster's lists the abbreviation. | Is it, "The Borysewicz’s sunken living room." or "The Borysewiczes's sunken living room."? Thanks. – on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
The Borysewiczes' sunken living room. | The stylebook lists "yearlong" as one word. Does this apply to "something that we do all yearlong," or should it be "year long" in this context? Thanks. – from Anne, New York City on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
It's yearlong (adj.). The phrase is all year long. | I was wondering if the term Lean Manufacturing is should be written Lean Manufacturing or Lean manufacturing? – from norwalk, ct on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
lean manufacturing (lowercase). | Hello. Earlier today, the entry on numerals read, in part, as follows:
* Spell out the numbers one through eleven....
* Large numbers: Use words to express thousands, (m) millions, (b) billions and (t) trillions. Numerals above 1,000 and below 10,000 are normally expressed using thousand, but can be expressed using hundreds if it is more conversational: two-thousand dollars, but 12-hundred dolla – from San Francisco on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
Those are outdated AP broadcast guidelines. Broadcast now follows the AP Stylebook's "numerals" entry, with some exceptions. | if someone has a blood alcohol level of .23 and the legal limit is .08, does that mean they were two times over the limit or three? – from San Diego on Tue, Jul 08, 2008
nearly three times the legal limit. | When should monies be used instead of money? Is it used only to mean several groups of money? As in, the monies collected for the charity came from fundraisers, a silent auction and anonymous donations? – from N Bellmore, NY on Tue, Jul 08, 2008
Money has a plural meaning: sums of money. So money works fine in your example. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language lists these plurals: state tax moneys; monies set aside for research and development. | What is the rule for the title of academic journals? Should they be italicized or put in quotation marks? – from Little Rock, AR on Wed, Jul 09, 2008
AP uses straight type for titles of academic and other journals, no quotation marks or italics, principal words capitalized. | We frequently use the term "sixth grader" in our writing to replace the phrase "sixth-grade student." The first should not be hypehenated because it is a noun phrase, while the second should because "sixth-grade" is an adjective, correct? – from Garden City on Tue, Jul 08, 2008
The stylebook's "grade, grader" entry says hyphenate combined forms: sixth-grade student, sixth-grader. | Is it correct to use one million or 1 million items (not dollars or a measurement)? – from Houston, TX on Tue, Jul 08, 2008
For 10 and above, use the figure: 1 million. | Just curious as to the rationale for dropping periods in U.S. in headlines. Our paper uses all-cap headlines in news briefs, and it looks odd, and probably makes readers pause, to have "US" written that way. – from Hyannis, MA on Tue, Jul 08, 2008
AP stories now use US and UN in headlines without periods, %primarily a space-saving change. | You have 2 entries on home builder/homebuilder. Please clarify. Thanks! – from Charleston, SC on Tue, Jul 08, 2008
2008 AP Stylebook settled on homebuilder (one word), based on usage in news stories and a dictionary preference. A proper name is an exception: National Association of Home Builders. | When writing city, country, should a comma follow country? Example: Acme Pens was founded in Padua, Italy, in 2004. – on Mon, Jul 07, 2008
Correct. In "comma (,)" entry of AP Stylebook's punctuation guide, see the paragraph on names of states and nations used with city names. | When referencing the Scientology religion, would it be more appropriate to use "the Church of Scientology", or would "Scientology" be more appropriate? – from Kill Devil Hills, NC on Mon, Jul 07, 2008
The term describes the belief system or religion, which is organized and spread by the church. | "The rising costs of food and fuel means that..."
or, "mean that..." – on Mon, Jul 07, 2008
costs ... mean that ... | In the following sentence would you put a comma after the state? and if so directly after the period or after the "s"?
Check with local food banks, such as Fairfax, Va.'s foodforothers.org, to learn details. – from Nashville, TN on Mon, Jul 07, 2008
Recast the sentence to avoid a non-standard possessive: ... foodforothers.org in Fairfax, Va., etc. | I need to abbreviate the word "millions" for a chart. I've seen it abbreviated both "M" and "MM." Technically, "M" is the Roman numeral for "thousand" and "MM" is the Roman numeral for "two thousand." Would AP recommend one of those, or something different altogether (e.g., "Mil.")? – from Des Moines, IA on Mon, Jul 07, 2008
single letter is permissable for a chart. | The Stylebook said that for the United States, the possessive form is United States’. What is the rule for "U.S."? Is it U.S.' or U.S.'s? Thanks. – from Philippines on Sun, Jul 06, 2008
For pronunication, the U.S.'s. | I know that acres are written in numerals even under 10, but what do you do with parcels that measure less than 1 acre? For example, half an acre? .5 acres? 1/16th and acre? Fractions are usually written out, but what happens when it's a measurement as with acres? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. – from Bend, Ore. on Sat, Jul 05, 2008
a half-acre, a quarter-acre, .50 acre ... smaller parcels might be easier to visualize in square-feet or as a lot with frontage and depth in feet. | Would any of these take a hyphen? "To fact check"%3B "a fact checker"%3B "a fact checking system." Thanks. – from Los Angeles on Thu, Jul 03, 2008
no hyphens. | AP lists the hyphenated "air-condition" and "air-conditioned" when used as a verb or adjective. It lists the nonhyphenated "air conditioner" and "air conditioning" when used as a noun. What if "air conditioning" is being used as an adjective? Does it then require a hyphen?..."air-conditioning equipment" or "air conditioning equipment"? – from Omaha, Neb. on Thu, Jul 03, 2008
don't hyphenate this noun phrase. | Which of these is preferred: work/life or work-life or work life or worklife when referring to programs, such as work/life programs? – from Princeton, NJ on Thu, Jul 03, 2008
AP stories hyphenate work-life in such usages. | Hi—
I'm having some trouble finding anything on formatting text citations in footnotes. Is there a section you can point me toward, or at least a table of contents or index?
Thanks! – from Quincy, MA on Thu, Jul 03, 2008
AP doesn't use footnotes in its news copy. The Chicago Manual of Style is a reference for footnotes. | In football, two-point conversion or 2-point conversion? – from Atlanta, GA on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
two-point | Which of these is correct? "naming some with girl names and some with boy names," or "naming some with girls' names and some with boys' names." Wouldn't the first usage be correct because girl and boy are used to modify names? – from Oregon on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
Customarily boys' names and girls' names. | Does the following rule from the stylebook's hyphen section apply to "Our office is handicapped accessible," "Her trust is well placed," etc?
"But when a modifier that would be hyphenated before a noun occurs instead after a form of the verb to be, the hyphen usually must be retained to avoid confusion: The man is well-known. The woman is quick-witted. The children are soft-spoken. The pla – from Eagan, MN on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
Yes, good catch for two of the three examples. Our office is handicapped-accessible. Her trust is well-placed. Call us toll free. | When saying "....ten downtown rental units in the City of Whatever" should city be capitalized? – from Michigan on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
lowercase city of expressions, per "city" entry ... and use figure 10 unless ten starts the sentence. | Is Webster's New World College Dictionary still the first reference for spelling, etc., for material not covered by the Stylebook? – from Portland, Ore. on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
correct, the fourth edition to be exact. | How does AP treat programming language when used in general text? PHP vs. php, AJAX vs. ajax, XML vs. xml, FTP vs. ftp?
Also, has AP addressed style standards for some of the newer Internet terms, such as SEO? Is it search engine optimization or search-engine optimization? Click-through rate? Pay-per-click?
Thanks! – from Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
AP stories use PHP, Ajax, XML, FTP ... search engine optimization ... click-through rate ... pay-per-click. | "How much money will you have left over?" Should "left over" be one word? I know as a noun it is, and if it comes before a noun (i.e., "leftover food,") but this case confounds. Please help! Thanks. – from Anne, New York on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
two words in this usage. | Cap and trade: does it take hyphens in stand-alone form and/or when modified (cap and trade program)?
Is earned income tax credit lowercase? – from chicago on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
no hyphens; lowercase | Would you use a comma in the sentence: They are truly some of the best, and we couldn't be happier to serve you this year! – from Raleigh, NC on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
Correct. Use a comma before the conjunction joining two independent clauses. | Which is the correct way to write inkjet or ink-jet? – from Delhi, India on Wed, Jul 02, 2008
Inkjet, per Webster's. | Do you capitalize State when using it in place of the state name? As in this state, our state, the state is, etc? – from Davis on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
lowercase in AP stories. | Is roller coaster hyphenated when used as an adjective, as in roller-coaster ride? – from Atlanta, GA on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
yes. | This subject was addressed on a pervious post, which I've pasted below. However, I was confused because when I looked up "k" on Merriaw-Webster.com it said the following: [kilo-] : thousand . Please clarify. Thank you!
When if ever is it appropriate to use K as an abbreviation as in $10,000 or $10K? – from Phoenix, AZ on Wed, Feb 07, 2007
K does not mean 1,000 and should – from Orlando, FL on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
While standard for modem transmission speeds (56K) or some race distances (10K), the abbreviation should not be used to mean 1,000 or $1,000. AP differs from dictionaries on that usage. | Hello. Do you capitalize Spanish music genres, such as bachata, norteño and regional mexican? Many thanks... – on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
AP lowercases those descriptives. | The fire was caused by a hot plate.
The fire was caused by a hotplate.
Is the plug-in device "hot plate" one word or two? – from Lombard, IL on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
two words. | When referring to members of a shrine (fez-wearing, small-car-driving men), would you capitalize Shriner? – on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
yes. | With the news of Wal-mart's brand/image makeover, is AP going to change its style for the store? (Walmart vs. Wal-mart) – from dc on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
No doubt we'd conform to a new spelling, once it's official. | Which is correct: financial service industry or financial services industry? – from Boston, MA on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
invariably plural, services. | would you say Head Coach Herb Horton or head coach Herb Horton. Is Head Coach a formal title? or would you say head Coach Herb Horton? Does the same go for Assistant Coach? – from georgia on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
AP sports stories lowercase head coach, assistant coach, general manager, etc., even when directly preceding a name. | Is it correct to write Greater Niagara Region or Greater Niagara region (region in lower case)? – from India on Tue, Jul 01, 2008
If region is part of the official name, capitalize it. | Do you hyphenate the following? "...as we develop both short-and long-term goals to meet the needs of our community."
and "...our location remains a long-term priority of Community Hospital."
Thanks! – from Grand Junction, Colo. on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
Check the "hyphen" entry in the stylebook's "punctuation" section. | "...or call ABC Co. toll free at 800-555-5555."
Should toll-free be hyphenated in this case? Should it be set off with commas? Or is it okay as is? Or does the inclusion of the 800 number make "toll free" unnecessary? Thanks! – from Austin, TX on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
OK as is. | Is capitalization and date format correct in the following sentence? "Chris Thomas began his role as president and CEO of Community Hospital on Monday, April 21." Or, do you capitalize "president?" – from Grand Junction, Colo. on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
Chris Thomas began serving as president and chief executive of Community Hospital on April 21. | Do you spell boardroom or board room? I've seen both spellings and I'm not sure which one is preferred. – from Denver, Colorado on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
boardroom (one word), per Webster's. | In the stylebook, the percent entry says "12 to 15 percent," and the numerals entry says "12-15 percent." Is one or the other -- hyphen or "to"-- preferred? Thanks. – from Arlington, Va. on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
No basic preference, though the phrasing can affect whether one or the other form fits better. | In a press release, if a quotation is two paragraphs, do I need to introduce the quotation in both paragraphs? – from Fort Worth, Texas on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
Yes. See the "quotation marks" entry in the stylebook's "punctuation" chapter for particulars. | When items in a "bulleted" list start with a number 10 or above, should the number be a figure or spelled out? For example, The program of study includes: -12 (or Twelve?) hours of core cores. -Nine hours of electives. -Six hours of research. – from Dayton, OH on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
Following the dash (AP doesn't use bullets), spell out the number at the start of the item. | My colleagues are struggling with capitalization of department and office names at our university. I understand that we should lowercase names of internal elements that are widely used generic terms, but what about the following examples of offices: career services, academic advising, athletics and admissions? – from Mount Pleasant, Mich. on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
These names are lowercase in AP stories, though institutions often capitalize them. | Is "psycho-educational programs" correct to use? – on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
No hyphen in Webster's spelling. | Webster's goes either way with face lift/facelift. What's AP's preference? Thanks. – on Mon, Jun 30, 2008
facelift in most AP stories, though Webster's hyphenates the noun. | When referencing World War I and World War II as the 'World Wars,' is the term capitalized? – from Dallas, TX on Fri, Jun 27, 2008
lowercase. | Does the word "couple", as in "The couple reside(s) in Richmond", take a singular or plural verb? – from Richmond, VA on Fri, Jun 27, 2008
That depends on whether couple is used in the sense of two people (plural verb) or in the sense of a single unit (singular verb). See "couple" entry for details. | A strategic plan will be developed from the data gathering and
—discerning process.
or
—discernment process. – from Aurora, IL on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
simplify. A strategic plan will be developed from the gathered data. | Please help with the comma situation as concerns the "but": I give a lot personally to charity every year, but, as CEO of my company, I feel like I could do more... I think you need it before, for the conjunction. I think you need it after, because CEO is a nonessential clause. But I think it's awkward with both. – from Charleston, SC on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
The sentence is correctly punctuated. | Would the term "in-turn" be hyphenated in the following sentence? Even in short increments, time-off from the office is a key factor affecting the quality of ‘work-life’ balance, which when found at desirable levels in-turn affects an employees desire to exceed expectations for his company. – from Brenham, Texas on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
No hyphens for in turn or time off. You could simplify the sentence for impact. | We have a brochure that will be distributed from August into 2009. Can we use ET rather than EDT or EST so we don't have to reprint when Daylight Savings Time expires? Thanks. – from NC on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
Yes, that'll fly. | The baseball section lists "strike" but not "strike outs"... is "strike outs" one word or two as a noun? Thanks. – on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
AP sports stories favor strikeouts (n.) | I want to see 10 species of wildflower or wildflowers? – on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
plural. | Is the place in Iraq "al-Qaim," "Al Qaim," "Al Qa'im" or some other derivation? Thanks. – from Los Angeles on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
al-Qaim is in Anbar province on the Syrian border | Question about your response to this question:
*Is mindset one word, two or hyphenated? – from livonia michigan on Wed, Apr 11, 2007
"Mind-set" should be hyphenated.*
Yet when I search *mindset* in AP Online, the entry clearly comes us as just that -- *mindset*, no hyphen. Which is correct AP style, please? This is one that comes up often, and I need to know that when AP style is specified, – from New Hampshire on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
We defer to Webster's preferred spelling, which is mind-set (hypenated). The dictionary says "also mindset," so there's leeway on this. | Should it be a 12-acre parcel, or a 12-acres parcel? – from Winchester, VA on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
a 12-acre parcel, a parcel of 12 acres. | Which is preferable, "multi-state" or "multistate" as in "a multi-state initiative..." – from boston, ma on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
multistate, per "multi-" entry. | Which is correct: "the investors who entrusted him with their life’s savings" or "the investors who entrusted him with their life savings"? Thanks. – from Charleston, SC on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
the second is correct. | Does the stylebook have any entries on art genres/styles/movements? I couldn't find any. For example, how would "Pop Surrealism" and "Pop art" be capitalized? – from Seattle, WA on Thu, Jun 26, 2008
Check the expanded "artworks" entry: art styles and movements are lowercase unless used in formal titles of shows, etc. | Do you have any suggestions on how "e-newsletter" should be handled? Capital e, capital n, hyphenated or not? – from The Woodlands, TX on Wed, Jun 25, 2008
lowercase e-newsletter unless it starts a sentence. It's hyphenated and the "n" is also down. | I used the following as a headline in a newsletter: High School Students Make Their Mark. My boss says it should have been High School Students Make Their Marks. I completely disagree. The students are acting as a unit to change the world, so I thought the students ought to be treated as a collective noun. – from Garden City, NY on Wed, Jun 25, 2008
If the students worked together to achieve a collective goal, singular mark would work. | When a city/state combo is used as an adjective, is the state abbreviated? Example: “an Oakland, Calif.-based company”? – from Seattle, WA on Wed, Jun 25, 2008
Yes, but it's not pretty. Better to rephrase: the company based in Oakland, Calif. | Crude oil prices rose 3% to $120 per barrel. Or should it be: Crude oil prices rose 3% at $120 per barrel.
Also, should it be "per barrel", or "a barrel".
Thanks – from Chicago, IL on Wed, Jun 25, 2008
In AP style, crude oil prices rose 3 percent to $120 a barrel. | Would you please clarify the grammar and punctuation for this sentence: "The site will be unavailable from 6 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2008, until 10 a.m., Central time, Sunday, June 8, 2008." – from Houston, TX on Wed, Jun 25, 2008
The Web site will be unavailable from 6 p.m. CDT, Saturday, June 7, until 10 a.m. CDT, Sunday, June 8. | Per the stylebook, "The most frequent use of a colon is at the end of a sentence to introduce lists ..." Can a colon ever be used after a phrase or a few words to introduce a list? Or does it always need to be a complete sentence before it? Here are some examples that have me questioning this: "Event Fees: $50 for nonmembers, $35 for members, $10 college students" and "Members Only Tour: I – from Tampa, Fla. on Wed, Jun 25, 2008
Yes, but a verb works too. Event fees are $50 for nonmembers, etc. | Can I strike the redundant elements of a court’s name, e.g., “the U.S. District Court for Southern New York" – from DC on Wed, Jun 25, 2008
The full title is correct on first reference, thereafter use the shortened District Court. | As a noun, is cybercensorship one word, two words or hyphenated? The AP Stylebook entry on "cyber-" seems to indicate that it would be one word, but I can't find any examples of the word in AP articles. – from Washington, D.C. on Tue, Jun 24, 2008
Probably one word, though it looks awful. Doesn't show in AP archives. Maybe you can rephrase to avoid? | "Scalehouse" or "scale house"? Thanks. – from Portland, Ore. on Tue, Jun 24, 2008
two words. | Affect/Effect correct for following sentence: I will send you an e-mail asking for content you feel might benefit our agents and their staff related to facets effecting their various lines of business.
Thanks so much! – from Brenham, Texas on Tue, Jun 24, 2008
See "affect, effect" entry in stylebook. | Dear Mr. Minthorn:
I'm hoping you can clarify the following question regarding academic degrees. AP notes that when referring to the specific degree (i.e., Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts) that the words should be capitalized. My question concerns specific doctorate degrees (i.e., honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters). Also, should it be "of" or "in"? Thank you... Amy E. Tucker – from Schenectady, N.Y. on Tue, Jun 24, 2008
Yes, capitalize Doctor of Humane Letters except when used in apposition to the name. | This has to do with uppercasing "The" with company/organization names. I understand that it is "The New York Times," but what about "The American Academy of Pediatrics," or "The University of Texas." Would the definite article be uppercased in these examples? Thanks. – from Galveston, TX on Tue, Jun 24, 2008
The definite article is generally lowercase in AP news stories about universities, professional organizations and the like. | Does AP recognize A/C or AC as abbreviations for "air conditioning?" – from New York, NY on Tue, Jun 24, 2008
AP doesn't use the abbreviation (though you'll find it in Webster's). The AP Stylebook entry: air-condition, air-conditioned (v. and adj.), air conditioner, air conditioning (n.). | spell 'dee jay' or 'DJ'? – on Mon, Jun 23, 2008
DJ on second reference for disc jockey. | Many people have asked about the frequency of the trademark symbol within text. Are the rules different regarding website text? On a website, does the trademark sign only need to be written at the first reference or should it be used everytime on the same web page? – on Mon, Jun 23, 2008
AP's guidance is the same for Web versions of stories: Capitalize the trademark or brand name. | In the sentence It counts many major Akron firms among its clients, and has done considerable work for The University of Akron and the city of Akron, does the comma belong between clients and and? – from Akron, Ohio on Mon, Jun 23, 2008
no comma. | Do I need an apostrophe when using the word "life's" in this sentence?..."This compassion allowed us to accept this part of life's journey."...Thanks! – from Brenham, Tx on Mon, Jun 23, 2008
yes. | Should hospital medical departments be capitalized, such as "Dr. Smith medical director of Internal Medicine..?" – from asheville nc on Sat, Jun 21, 2008
Not in this formulation. Check the stylebook entry on titles. | Is it correct to say "six-versus-six" or is "6 vs. 6" ok? – from Queen Creek, AZ on Fri, Jun 20, 2008
It's six versus six or six vs. six if those numbers represent people. | Should it be "describe it in 200 words or less" or "describe it in 200 words or fewer"? I think "fewer," but I hesitate because in this context, "words" might be like "hours" or another time reference. What do you think? – from Los Angeles on Fri, Jun 20, 2008
The first phrase is customary, but the second may be more precise. You can avoid the issue by saying 200 words maximum. | Hello! Is there a need for a hyphen in "the Emmy Award winning series" ? – on Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Normally it's Emmy Award-winning or Emmy-winning ... it could also be Emmy Award series (no hyphen). | As a noun..."record keeping" or "recordkeeping"? – from omaha, neb on Fri, Jun 20, 2008
two words. | I see that AP has rules for "twofold" and "tenfold," and you've answered the question about "hundredfold" by suggesting that the "one" be dropped, but how would you handle numbers such as 500 or 2.7, which don't work as well spelled out with no hyphen before the -fold suffix? – from Bethesda, Md. on Fri, Jun 20, 2008
Instead of -fold, 2.7 times, 500 times. | Hi! Is "12th-ranked team" styled correctly (i.e., with hyphen) ? – on Thu, Jun 19, 2008
yes. | I don't really like this term but it's part of a great quote - how would you write "people who can ill-afford to..." Thank you! – on Thu, Jun 19, 2008
ill afford to (no hyphen), according to Webster's. | mid-season play in hyphenated, but what about "the coaches paced the field as if it were mid season?" Thanks. – on Thu, Jun 19, 2008
midseason (one word) per stylebook's mid- entry. | What is the correct way to write video on demand and should this be in lowercase or titlecase? – from Omaha, Neb. on Thu, Jun 19, 2008
as a general descriptive, video on demand. | "I wasn't really part of the in crowd," he says. The in-crowd or any other type of treatment, or just the in crowd? – from Fargo, ND on Thu, Jun 19, 2008
Taking a cue from the Ramsey Lewis hit, the in crowd. | How do you punctuate a bulleted list? Periods, no periods? Does it depend on if it's a complete sentence or not? – from Portland, OR on Thu, Jun 19, 2008
AP uses dashes, not bullets, for lists in news stories. Following the dash, capitalize the first letter and use periods (not semicolons) at the end of each section. | How would you capitalize/hyphenate "goody two shoes" as a noun? My Webster's has it as "Goody Two-shoes," which doesn't seem like common usage to me. – from Seattle, WA on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
goody two-shoes (derives from nursery tale character). | "rain forest" or "rainforest"? – from Seattle, WA on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
rain forest (two words). | Which is correct? "Shipping and handling is free" or "Shipping and handling are free"? Thanks. – from Troy, MI on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
The second example is correct. | Is this sentence written correctly?
"It is less expensive and more convenient to stay in the conference hotel to negate renting a car or paying taxi fees." – from Houston on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
... to save renting, etc. | Do you hold on to something or hold onto something? If you follow the example of "log on to something," it would be the former, but I've seen it both ways in AP copy. What do you think? Thanks. – from Los Angeles on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
One-word onto means on top of, aware of. Otherwise use two words: hold on to, log on to. | Is the following sentence written correctly? "If an organization has $200 million in annual accounts payable, 0.1 percent of overpayments amounts to a substantial loss of $200,000." – from Austin, TX on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
For an organization with $200 million in annual accounts payable, overpayments of just 0.1 percent could cost it $200,000. | These programs are approved for Veteran's Benefits (or Veterans Benefits, or Veterans' Benefits?) by the State Approving Agency. – on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
As a general term, it's usually veterans benefits, lowercase and not a possessive. Also lowercase state approving agency unless it's a formal name. | HI, Sorry to bother you but we are wondering: If writing an article in which you have lots of data about a person, is it:
John Smith, president, Small Engine Systems, Boeing Corporation. Or is it, John Smith, president, small engine systems, Boeing Corporation.
The guide seems not to address this issue.
Any help you can give would be gratefully accepted. – from Reston, Virginia on Wed, Jun 18, 2008
John Smith, president of small engine systems, Boeing Co. | Where are hyphens used, if at all, in "Iowa State Bar certified specialists?" It's probably better to write "Our attorneys are certified by the Iowa State Bar as criminal defense specialists," but the concept is used repeatedly in the copy and we want to change things up a bit. – from Eagan, MN on Tue, Jun 17, 2008
No hyphens. Our attorneys are certified as criminal defense specialists by the Iowa State Bar. | Are double hyphens ever permitted in place of an em dash? – from West Linn, Oregon on Tue, Jun 17, 2008
AP stories use the underscore for a dash, with a space on each side. Others may have different solutions, such as yours. | When introducing a sentence with a time reference, do you put a comma after the word. E.g. Yesterday, I ate breakfast. OR Yesterday I ate breakfast. – from St. L on Tue, Jun 17, 2008
No comma needed here. If introductory time reference were more detailed, it could be set off. | Is it IRS's boss or IRS' boss ? Thank you! – from Palm Beach on Tue, Jun 17, 2008
IRS' boss. | "...despite the efforts of Brian and I to keep things as normal as possible..." Shouldn't it be Brian and me? – on Tue, Jun 17, 2008
Yes. | Is AP ever going to permit the use of HMO on second reference for health maintenance organization? – from Riverside, CA on Tue, Jun 17, 2008
HMO is widely used in AP stories about health care. Webster's lists it as a standard abbreviation. | Do I use figures or spell out numbers below ten when referencing metric system measurements? For instance, is it "5 grams of marijuana" or "five grams of marijuana"? – from Los Angeles, CA on Mon, Jun 16, 2008
use figures ... 5 grams, etc. | When using a trademarked name (or something that is copyrighted), is it necessary to use TM (or the copyright symbol) after the word? – from arlington, va on Mon, Jun 16, 2008
AP doesn't use TM symbols in news stories. When trademark names are used, they're capitalized. | Regarding the usage of the word either.
When my intent is to have only one scarf selected should I say:
Choose either the blue, red or green scarf.
Choose any scarf, blue, red or green.
Choose anyone of the scarves: blue, red or green. – from Aurora, IL on Mon, Jun 16, 2008
Choose any one of the scarves: blue, red or green. | I work in a school and everyone here always wants to capititalize the names of the courses they teach...Geometry I and II, Mathematics, World Cultures, History. Please tell me these should be lowercase and only proper names like English and Spanish should be capitalized. – from Pittsburgh, PA on Mon, Jun 16, 2008
See "course numbers" entry in stylebook: Use Arabic numerals and capitalize the subject when used with a numeral. So, Geometry 1, Geometry 2, mathematics, world cultures, history, English, Spanish. | OK, "dad" as a name is uppercased, and in general is lowercased, but what about this headline, "Playing for Dad," as in a headline for a package of stores on athletes who play for their fathers in high school? – on Sun, Jun 15, 2008
In AP headlines, only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. | I always have difficulty with paired adjectives and commas. Is it "unlimited, toll-free personal customer service" or "unlimited, toll-free, personal customer service" ... or perhaps something else entirely? – from Austin, TX on Fri, Jun 13, 2008
unlimited, toll-free customer service (personal just gums it up). | "A 3-hour, 45-minute test." Is this correct? If not, please tell me how to style it. Thank you! – from Anne, New York, NY on Fri, Jun 13, 2008
The test lasts three hours and 45 minutes ... a three-hour and 45-minute test. | Crewmember or crew member? – from Eagan, MN on Fri, Jun 13, 2008
crew member. | I have a question about school colors. In an earlier answer, you said to lowercase the colors unless they are a team name, which makes sense. In an AP story today, it said "But Boston had another 12 minutes to finish off theirs, and the green-and-white did." I just wondered why you would use the hyphens? I figured it would be without the hyphens, as in "the green and white (team) did." Thanks – on Fri, Jun 13, 2008
Not necessary to hyphenate green and white. It's not a term like man-to-man or pick-and-roll. | Some confusion over the regional designation Tri-State. Does Tri-State refer only to New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania? Would any other area where three states border and common reference is Tri-State nonetheless be 'tri-state' or 'tri-state area'? – from Omaha on Fri, Jun 13, 2008
Here in the Big Apple, tri-state refers to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Elsewhere, Alabama, Florida and Georgia are engaged in tri-state water talks; Huntington, W.Va., boasts the Tri-State Airport also serving Kentucky and Ohio; and parts of South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota form a tri-state area. Other tri-state designations abound. | Hi, what is the right way to write food grade...as an adjective, noun and verb. – from Gurgaon, India on Fri, Jun 13, 2008
Food-grade corn, food-grade soybeans, food-grade salt. The sorghum is food grade. Don't make it a verb. | For a story on paying for gasoline before pumping: pre-pay or prepay? – on Thu, Jun 12, 2008
prepay. | When referencing a sequence of years, do you use the full year or just the last two digits? And is it a hyphen or "to". For example, is it 1968-1988, or 1968 to 1988, or 1968-88? Thanks. – from Madison, Wis. on Thu, Jun 12, 2008
All are acceptable for expressing ranges. When the spread involves two centuries, use full figures: 1988 to 2008 or 1988-2008. | Hello. One of our clients uses the term "pre-hydrate". Since I can't find it in any dictionary, should I spell it with a hyphen or without? thank you. – from Las Vegas, NV on Thu, Jun 12, 2008
Shouldn't require a hyphen. There's probably a good reason it's not in the dictionary. | In a story about people who drive off without paying for their gasoline purchase, would the construction drive-offs be acceptable in sentences such as "Officials said drive-offs are increasing." – from Collinsvile, IL on Thu, Jun 12, 2008
Yes, drive-offs is increasingly used in AP stories about gas station thefts. | Webster's says town house/ town home can be one or two words - we're doing stories on a controversial town home development and wondered if AP has a preference? Thanks a bunch. – on Thu, Jun 12, 2008
Town house (two words) is preferred in AP stories. The other term is rarely used. | Can "several" be used to refer to only two items? Webster's lists a couple of meanings, including "more than one" and "more than two but less than many"%3B however, in common usage it seems like it's most often used to refer to more than two items. For example, if an introductory sentence refers to "several rivers," is it acceptable to discuss only two rivers after that? – from Seattle, WA on Thu, Jun 12, 2008
The Webster's AP uses says: more than two but not many ... | In this sentence, should the quoted material start with a capital? Typically, he said, "Beef is much more palatable than chicken." – from San Diego, Calif. on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
yes ... but lowercase "beef" if the quote starts with typically. | What is the correct verb usage--plural or singular--when the subject is "a handful of XX"? – from Whittier, CA on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
A handful of children were playing. A handful of dust was in his pocket. | Another golf question: Would correct AP style be: "He won 64 Tour titles." or "He won 64 tour titles." ? – on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
He won 64 tour titles, all on the PGA Tour. | Please help end office ellipsis confusion: In quoted material, would you use ellipsis to indicate a deletion of a sentence between two sentences? for example,
"I like sushi. ... It's good." in place of "I like sushi. It's Japanese. It's good." My ed. says it should be "I like sushi.It's good." What's right? Thanks. – from warren, mi on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
You need an ellipsis to show readers that some words were left out of the direct quote. | Hello! In golf, would "major" be lowercased? e.g., "He has potential to win a major." ? – on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
lowercase major. | Periods at the end of a sentence when requesting RSVP details for an annual convention? Example:
Please select one activity:
___ Total number attending the golf tour
___ Total number attending Monday eveing event
I think a period needs to be at the end of that sentence, but our graphic designer disagrees. Also, when using parenthesis following a sentence, do you capitalize the first word? – from Brenham, tx on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
Yes, periods. Check "parentheses" entry for explanation. | What is the correct phrase in columns of cash donations where donor names are listed. For example: $500 and above or $500 or more? – from Indianapolis, IN on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
Either works, or as a range: $500-$999, $1,000-$1,999, etc. | I'm confused about former titles. In a March answer, its said that in "former mayor John Doe," mayor would be lowercase, but I thought in another answer you said former titles like former President Bill Clinton would be uppercase. Which is correct? How about former superintendent Jane Doe? Thanks! – on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
Yes, I overlooked the "former" entry in the stylebook: if it's a formal title, lowercase former and capitalize the title used immediately before a name: former President Bill Clinton, former Mayor John Doe, former Superintendent Jane Doe. | What is the correct way of writing a specific county name? Do we follow the city, state abbreviation format? For example: Broward County, Fla.OR Broward County in Florida? – from Omaha, Neb. on Wed, Jun 11, 2008
Broward County is sufficient if state is clear from the context. Otherwise, Broward County, Fla., Broward County in Florida or Florida's Broward County. | Would you use talk show host or talk-show host? – from Denver on Tue, Jun 10, 2008
no hyphen. | Which is correct eighty-seven or eighty seven. – from MN on Tue, Jun 10, 2008
The first. Check "numerals" section of stylebook for guidance on when to spell out numbers. | Regarding your "Cornhusker fans" vs. "Cornhuskers fans" answer ... you said to ask the athletic department for a reference, but you answered this question Oct. 16: "Hi: Should it be "Cubs fan" or "Cub fan"? As in: He is a die-hard Cub fan/Cubs fan. I think either is acceptable, but I would like your guidance. Thanks! – from Champaign, Ill. Answer: Cubs fan is the normal term in AP storie – from Denver on Mon, Jun 09, 2008
Cubs rule (at least today). | In the following sentence, do I have the commas in the correct places? Particularly after the city name? I am treating the age and city more like a nonessential and therefore set off with commas. Please let me know.
"In May, Roger Smith Sr., 63, of Fairbury, was sentenced to 38 to 45 years." – from Lincoln, NE on Mon, Jun 09, 2008
Correct as punctuated. | The majority "is" or the majority "are"? – on Mon, Jun 09, 2008
See USAGE section of the stylebook's "majority, plurality" entry. In brief, majority used alone takes a singular verb. If a plural word follows a "majority of" construction, the use of a singular or plural verb depends on the sense of the sentence. | When you are writing a quote, is it correct AP Style to write: said Smith or Smith said? – on Mon, Jun 09, 2008
Smith said is preferred for attribution. Said Smith may be used if details follow the noun in apposition. | Cornhusker fans or Cornhuskers fans? – on Mon, Jun 09, 2008
I've seen it both ways in news stories. You might ask the athletic department for a preference. | Is it Father of Our Country or father of our country? Thanks. – on Mon, Jun 09, 2008
lowercase in most descriptives. | Does postdecree, as in postdecree modification, follow AP's rule for prefixes or is it hyphenated? – from Eagan, MN on Fri, Jun 06, 2008
This compound doesn't appear in Webster's or several other dictionaries I consult. Nor does it show in AP news stories. You may want to check a law reference book, which may hold the key. | Is digitalized acceptable if talking about an industry as a whole that has gone digital? (In a story about radiology, referencing how that radiology labs are now almost all digital) It seems to be a term that's out there, I found on Answers.com and the Free Dictionary online, tho Webster's New World says just to use it in reference to treating someone with digitalis ... – from Chicago on Fri, Jun 06, 2008
AP stories occasionally refer to digitalized files ... or, in the case of a disguised photo, a digitalized swirl or blur. Digital is by far the preferred term: digital media,
digital service ... or industry has gone digital. | If bluish-green is hyphenated, are other two-word colors like these hyphenated: light brown, deep red, dark green etc.? – from Baton Rouge on Fri, Jun 06, 2008
shades of color don't require hyphens, either as standalones or modifiers: light brown hair, deep red dress, dark green leaves. | teary-eyed or teary eyed in this instance: She got a little teary-eyed when it was announced. Thanks. – on Fri, Jun 06, 2008
hyphenated. | What's the style for square one, as in returning to square one? Should it be Square 1 or something else? – from Fargo, ND on Thu, Jun 05, 2008
square one. | What is the correct format for a company's department names? I assume lowercase for things like "finance department" (similar to academic departments) but what about unique titles such as "operatonal risk management" or "innovation and environmental stewardship?" – from Voorhees, N.J. on Thu, Jun 05, 2008
You may capitalize these unusual formal entities within the company, though generics like finance department are usually lowercase. | Which is correct: Grand Opening or grand opening? – from Winston-Salem, NC on Thu, Jun 05, 2008
lowercase in almost all instances. | In a composition title with a colon, is the first letter of an article after a colon capitalized?
"Smith Legal: The Litigation Attorneys" – from Eagan, MN on Thu, Jun 05, 2008
Looks like a promotional or advertising usage, rather than newswriting style. Your call. | Am I mistaken, or did AP once make the distinction that male and female are adjectives and man and woman are nouns? In other words, we would not say: "The 21-year-old male entered the bank." – from Gainesville, Floriday on Thu, Jun 05, 2008
Yes, AP adheres to that guidance. The 21-year-old male customer entered the bank. | In a direct quote, would a compound modifier featuring "yet" take hyphens? For example, "a funny-yet-disturbing story." – from Los Angeles on Thu, Jun 05, 2008
Don't hyphenate, but put a comma after funny. | Are all the caps necessary in this sentence: "His photographs were projected in the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremonies to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games." – on Wed, Jun 04, 2008
stadium may be lowercase ... the proper name was Centennial Olympic Stadium. Also, opening ceremonies for (not to). | If you were to use a slang of old, as in "good ol' boy" or "big ol' perky smile," would you use spell it as ol, ol' or ole? – from North Palm Beach, FL on Wed, Jun 04, 2008
make it ol' -- apostrophe indicates "d" dropped. | If I am using including before a list - such as .."I have written for magazines, including, Life, Look and Time." I keep forgetting the rule. Comma before and after? Thanks – from Woodstock, NY on Wed, Jun 04, 2008
comma before including. | Okay to say "Her work has shown in galleries throughout the West" or better to say "has been shown"? – on Wed, Jun 04, 2008
... has been shown ... | When referring to a set of laws passed by an elected legislative body, is it acceptable to refer to them as "regulations" -- as in "Sarbanes-Oxley regulations"? I always thought "regulations" only refered to rules enacted by nonelected regulatory bodies such as the FCC. Please advise. – on Wed, Jun 04, 2008
It's the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or anti-fraud law. Webster's lists law as a synonym for regulation. | A year ago I asked this question, but not very well. Is it OK to lead directly from a partial quote into a full quote (that even contains a first-person pronoun). Here's the type of construction I'm referring to and your answer from July '07:
With his lottery ticket in hand, Jones was feeling “elated and perfectly confident. I knew I had the winner."
I was taught not to "mix" quotes [part – on Wed, Jun 04, 2008
If you do, make sure the elements line up: Clutching his lottery ticket, Jones said he felt "elated and perfectly confident. I knew I had the winner." | base runner or baserunner? Lifelong or life long? Thanks so much. – on Wed, Jun 04, 2008
two words, per Webster's. | "Bachelor of Arts in the liberal arts" or just "in liberal arts"? – on Tue, Jun 03, 2008
Ask the degree-awarding college for its preference. | How do you treat plurals of acronyms? Simply add an "s" or add an apostrophe before the "s"? (e.g. DVRs, CEOs or CD's) I've always thought apostrophes were only for the possessive form, but I've been reading otherwise lately when used with acronyms. – from Oklahoma City on Tue, Jun 03, 2008
No apostrophe for simple plurals of these abbreviations. | Us Magazine (entire thing ital) or Us magazine (no ital on magazine)? – on Tue, Jun 03, 2008
Us Weekly ... AP doesn't use italics in news stories. | A Japanese, privately owned company calls itself "CSR&Company". Is AP style "CSR & Co." or would there still be no spaces before and after the "&"? – from Washington, DC on Mon, Jun 02, 2008
CSR & Co. looks fine. | When writing a list of diseases, is it acceptable to list the follwing together? "Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases"...or do they need to be listed seperately? "Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease" – from Omaha, Neb. on Mon, Jun 02, 2008
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases is correct. | Is it "preoperatively," or "preoperative measurements" without a hypen? Do you hyphenate it if you shorten it to read "The surgery center boasts four high-tech operating rooms, two smaller procedure rooms, preop and recovery and areas..." Thanks! – from Grand Junction, Colo. on Mon, Jun 02, 2008
Don't hyphenate. Could you use preoperation, in place of preoperative? | Is this the correct punctuation of physicians in the following title? "First Choice Outpatient Surgery Center Caters to Physicians' Needs" – from Grand Junction, Colo. on Mon, Jun 02, 2008
Yes. | I'm confused about the AP entries on academic degrees. Would you capitalize the specialties ("clinical nutrition" and "counseling") in this instance: "Jane Doe holds a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Counseling"? Also, the AP academic degrees entry says no apostrophe on "associate degree," but a response in this FAQ section says to add the apostrophe. Which is it? – from Seattle, WA on Mon, Jun 02, 2008
Jane Doe holds a Master of Science (or master's) in clinical nutrition and counseling. Associate degree (no possessive) is correct. FAQ reference fixed. | What is the Associated Press' take on recognizing the concept of Oceania, especially regarding the use of this term instead of or in addition to the idea of Australia, New Zealand, etc.? If it's now commonly used, does it need to be defined on first reference, and if so, how does AP define it? – from Baltimore, Md. on Mon, Jun 02, 2008
It's an accepted term, normally understood from the context in AP news stories. The region includes Australia, New Zealand and many of the South Pacific islands. | Is Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer a title like "executive vice president" or a service mark like "Realtor"? Should it be capitalized always, only when used in front of a person's name, or never? – from Eagan, MN on Fri, May 30, 2008
No. If germane to a story, AP would place it after the name and in lowercase. | Hyphen question: The medication is well tolerated by the patient or well-tolerated? – from Portland, Ore. on Thu, May 29, 2008
well-tolerated or tolerated well. | Hello! Regards or regard? Thanks! – on Thu, May 29, 2008
To close a missive, regards. | I was taught long ago that if you said someone was "nauseous," it meant they were making others sick, and that a person exposed to something that is nauseous becomes nauseated. I have been seeing the word nauseous used in print as a synonym for nauseated. Which is correct? – from boise, idaho on Thu, May 29, 2008
You feel nauseated (sick) from something nauseous (sickening). | We run a gardening column, and the writer always uses single quotes when referring to the nickname of a plant. Example: Sky-blue hydrangeas, the ones called ‘Endless Summer' ... The copy desk argues that double quotes should be used, the columnist says that's how plant magazines write it. Thoughts? – from Spartanburg, S.C. on Thu, May 29, 2008
AP only uses single quotes within quotations and for quotes in headlines. That's it. | | We continue to get push back on the use of a hyphen in e-mail. The rationale: Google and Yahoo use email when describing their mail services. | |
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