1. Home
  2. Ask the Editor
  3. Last Seven Days

Ask the Editor

Last Seven Days

Question from Chicago, Illinois, on May 19, 2025

There seem to be many ways to talk about food dyes: Red dye No. 3, Red 3, Red No. 3, etc. What style should be used for these additives on first reference and subsequent references? What about in headlines? 

Answer

Red No. 3 generally; Red Dye No. 3 if needed for clarity (for example, in a headline). 

Question from Stoney Creek, ON, on May 18, 2025

When writing a date range where one of the dates falls within the current week and one does not, should I use a day-date combination? For example, would I write from May 2 through Saturday, or would I write from May 2-17. Thank you!

Answer

Be consistent - date-to-date or day-to day. So May 2-17. 

SUBSCRIBE TO AP STYLEBOOK ONLINE

Comprehensive AP style guidance on your computer, tablet and phone

This searchable, customizable, regularly updated version of AP Stylebook offers bonus features including Ask the Editor and Topical Guides. Add Merriam-Webster Dictionary for a more comprehensive resource.

Your subscription includes the popular Ask the Editor feature, where you can ask your own questions and search thousands of past answers, and Topical Guides, offering guidance to help you write about events in the news.


Sign Up for our Newsletter

Keep up to date on style news. Sign up for our stylish monthly e-newsletter by submitting your email address below.

Sign Up

Request your free 14-day trial

Try AP Stylebook Online for yourself

We offer free trials of individual subscriptions and 10-user site licenses for AP Stylebook Online.

We will include access to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the official dictionary of the AP Stylebook.

At the end of your free trial, we will ask you if you would like to continue your service so you can keep any of the custom entries you created on Stylebook Online.

I want AP Stylebook Online:
Back to Top