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Ask the Editor

Last Seven Days

Question from Madison, New Jersey, on Oct. 15, 2025

If I am spelling general and president after the name is said should I capitalize it?

Answer

If the title comes after the name, or is set off by commas, it should be lowercase. 

Question from Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 14, 2025

What is the stylebook's position on the carefree use of words such as “countless”? The Times recently referred to an accomplished scientist who had published "countless" journal articles (although they're usually all found at the end of a researcher's CV). Wouldn’t the careful use of language militate against this cavalier use of a word like "countless"?

Answer

I agree that words like "countless" and "unique" are often overused; very few things are actually countless or unique. 

Question on Oct. 14, 2025

In marketing materials, would you put a period in "max" for something like "max cost" or omit the period?

Answer

I would omit the period. It's a familiar term even outside of its place as the short version of maximum. 

Question from Switzerland, on Oct. 14, 2025

Relating to a first layer of clothing worn next to the skin, would you recommend two words (base layer) or on e? baselayer. 

Answer

Base layer, two words. 

Question from Evanston, Illinois, on Oct. 14, 2025

We have had lots of references to Zionism and individuals and organizations being described as "avowedly Zionist" or "anti-Zionist" in both our daily news coverage and op-ed sections. Is there a specific style guidance/context recommended when referencing Zionism or attitudes towards  it? It's not the most widely-known term, and I've seen it been used incorrectly since the start of the Israel-Hamas War. Thank you!

Answer

It depends on your audience. I agree it is may not be familiar to a general audience, and should be explained when there is space for confusion. 

AP's entry on Zionism, in the Religion chapter: 

Zionism

The effort of Jews to regain and retain their biblical homeland. It is based on the promise of God in the Book of Genesis that Israel would forever belong to Abraham and his descendants as a nation.
The term is named for Mount Zion, the site of the ancient temple in Jerusalem.

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