Orsi Korman is an account director, content material, at HAVAS Pink.
Whereas the AP Stylebook is a extensively used information for making certain readability and consistency in writing, it’s not with out its quirks and contradictions that may drive even probably the most seasoned communicator up the wall. Listed here are 10 such inconsistencies:
- Oxford comma
Also called a serial comma, the Oxford comma is positioned instantly earlier than the conjunction — often “and,” “or” or “nor” — in a collection of three or extra phrases. Whereas AP Model doesn’t use the Oxford comma, as with all punctuation, readability is its greatest rule. “If a comma doesn’t assist clarify what’s being mentioned, it shouldn’t be there. If omitting a comma might result in confusion or misinterpretation, then use the comma,” the stylebook reads. Many followers of AP model select to omit the Oxford comma always, however omitting it might probably certainly result in ambiguity in some conditions. For instance, “I’ve invited my dad and mom, Zach and Judy,” leaves it unclear whether or not the dad and mom are named Zach and Judy or whether or not two individuals are invited along with the unnamed dad and mom.
- Hyphenation
The AP Stylebook itself admits that use of the hyphen is much from standardized. “It may be a matter of style, judgment and elegance sense. Consider hyphens as an assist to readers’ comprehension. If a hyphen makes the which means clearer, use it. If it simply provides muddle and distraction, don’t use it.” AP model is very unclear with compound modifiers. For instance, “first-quarter earnings” is hyphenated, however “third grade instructor” shouldn’t be.
- Numerals
In accordance with AP model, numbers one by means of 9 are spelled out, 10 and above are usually not. Nevertheless, there are a number of exceptions to this rule, akin to ages, dates, percentages, decimals, paired numbers or starting a sentence with a quantity. As well as, having a couple of quantity seem in the identical sentence the place one is spelled out and the following one isn’t appears complicated to the non-AP-trained eye. For instance, “I’ve two canine, three cats and 10 chickens.”
- Time of day
The AP Stylebook makes use of lowercase a.m. and p.m. with durations, which might conflict with the generally used uppercase AM and PM that haven’t any durations. AP Model additionally makes use of figures for all occasions of day (aside from midday and midnight), including a colon to separate hours from minutes, however omitting the generally used double zeroes when speaking a couple of full hour (for instance, 10 a.m. and 10:01 a.m.)
- State abbreviations
AP model dictates that the names of all 50 U.S. states ought to be spelled out when used within the physique of a narrative. Nevertheless, abbreviations are required for datelines — and the AP Stylebook has its personal distinctive abbreviations (for instance, Conn. for Connecticut), which differ from the usual two-letter postal abbreviations (akin to CT for Connecticut), which AP model solely makes use of in addresses. Moreover, the names of eight states are by no means abbreviated in datelines or textual content: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Utah (simply remembered as the 2 states that aren’t a part of the contiguous U.S. and the continental states which are 5 letters or fewer.)
- Titles
In accordance with AP model, titles are capitalized earlier than names (Chief Engineer Henry Ford) however lowercase after names (Henry Ford, chief engineer). Many followers of the AP Stylebook select to override this rule within the title of consistency and/or to fulfill their readers’ (and executives’) expectations.
- Courtesy titles
AP model typically avoids the usage of courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms.), besides in particular circumstances like obituaries. Moreover, solely final names are supposed for use on second reference. This can be inconsistent with readers’ (and executives’) expectations, particularly in formal writing.
- Tutorial levels
The AP Stylebook prefers spelling out tutorial levels (for instance, “bachelor’s diploma” and “grasp’s diploma”) somewhat than utilizing abbreviations (akin to B.A. and M.A.), nevertheless it makes some exceptions (akin to “Ph.D.”)
- Punctuation with quotes
AP model dictates that durations and commas at all times go inside citation marks, even when they don’t seem to be a part of the quoted materials. For instance, “I’m going to the shop,” she mentioned. This may be complicated and counterintuitive for many who want a extra logical method to punctuation placement.
- Web phrases
The AP Stylebook’s guidelines for web phrases also can really feel inconsistent. For instance, “webmaster” is one phrase however “net tackle” is 2 phrases, and whereas “e mail” has no hyphen, “e-book” does.
Regardless of its idiosyncrasies, AP Model continues to evolve and stay standard. In its 57th version, the 2024 AP Stylebook contains new chapters on synthetic intelligence and legal justice, plus an in depth guidelines for self-editing. As a result of even probably the most fastidious writers amongst us want a bit assist every so often. So, right here’s to the AP Stylebook: Gratifying, maddening, indispensable and eternally protecting us on our toes.
Right here’s how I personally consider titles. Titles go earlier than a reputation and can be used to handle that particular person, for instance Captain James Kirk. The title is a part of a reputation. Using the phrase “captain” after his title signifies his place.
I might by no means use Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue since few individuals would go across the hallways of Cupertino calling him Senior Vice President Cue. In textual content I might use Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vp.
Now, I might use center faculty Principal Lauren Smith since somebody at a board of schooling assembly would possibly name her Principal Smith.
Somebody at a congressional listening to would possibly say “Chief Engineer Ford, thanks for coming.” So I might use it as a title.
Simply my private interpretation of AP steerage.