AP Style

5. Capitalize all forms of reference to political parties

The Democratic Party Republican Gov. Larry Thompson Libertarian candidate Stefan De Vries Democrats and Republicans

The basic style line for numbers is to spell them out if they're less than 10. And to use numerals for numbers 10 or higher.

Generally, follow this rule when you're using numbers to count: two computers, nine computers, 10 computers, 123 computers, 12,437 computers. Also, notice that you use a comma after the thousands place in a number (1,543 or 654,233).

BUT there are exceptions to this rule about numbers

-Always spell out numerals when they start off a sentence(Ten thousand soldiers camped outside the city's walls.) -Ages are always numerals(She was 8 years old.) -Unit of measurement are always numerals and the unit should be spelled out(3 inches, 2 acres, 9 pounds, 7 percent) -money amounts are always numerals($2, 7 cents) -Votes, scores and ratios are always numerals (The Braves won 6-2. The vote was 5-4) -Time is always written in numerals (3 p.m.)Room numbers are always numerals (Room 3) -Street addresses are always numerals (9 Elm St.

3. Capitalize names of government bodies when they refer to a specific body of government

-The Senate -The House -Jeffersonville City Hall

Associated Press

-the style bible for journalist and pr practitioners. (rules about capitalization, abbreviation, and number forms) -the name comes from the associated press( a collective that helps U.S. news organizations share stories, photos, videos, etc with one another -most us news organizations are associated press members -rules are provided to help ensure stories will be written in similar style

know how to write time and money amounts

2 a.m. (Notice you don't use the :00 when time is on the hour.) 7:32 p.m. Noon (not 12 p.m.) Midnight (not 12 a.m.) $2 (not two dollars or 2 dollars or $2.00) $1,232 $53 million (not $53,000,000) $1.2 million (not $1,200,000) 5 cents 35 cents

A. Investigators found nearly $2 million in a box that was buried under a restaurant's parking lot on Ninth Avenue. B. Investigators found nearly 2 million dollars in a box that was buried under a restaurant's parking lot on Ninth Avenue. C. Investigators found nearly $2 million in a box that was buried under a restaurant's parking lot on Ninth Ave. D. Investigators found nearly $2,000,000 in a box that was buried under a restaurant's parking lot on Ninth Avenue.

A Rationale: Don't use zeroes when writing numbers that are millions, billions, etc. Spell out "Avenue" because it has no street address.

Never abbreviate short months

NEVER abbreviate the short months (March, April, May, June, July)

Capitalization rules: 1) Always capitalize a title when it comes directly before a persons full name

In such a case, the title is considered part of the person's name. For example: He greeted Capt. Mary Brown . . . Afterward, President Gary Jones addressed reporters . . . They all waited for Mayor Jaimica Hernandez to speak . . .

DO NOT use the courtesy titles Mr,Mrs, or Miss with peoples names.

Rare. Only New York Times does this

3. Abbreviate the words street, avenue, boulevard only when there is a street address number

She lives at 213 Maple St. 46 Garrison Ave. 3415 Lakehurst Blvd.

if there is no street number--spell it out

She lives on Maple Street. Lakehurst Boulevard is near the mall.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. Each of the three armadillos weighed less than 9 pounds. B. Each of the 3 armadillos weighed less than nine pounds. C. Each of the 3 armadillos weighed less than 9 pounds. D. Each of the three armadillos weighed less than nine pounds.

A Rationale: Spell out countable amounts that are fewer than 10 (three armadillos), but always use numerals for units of measurement, even when less than 10 (9 pounds).

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. The court voted 8-1 in favor of the ban, with Justice Peterson being the lone dissenting vote. B. The court voted 8 to 1 in favor of the ban, with justice Peterson being the lone dissenting vote. C. The court voted 8-1 in favor of the ban, with justice Peterson being the lone dissenting vote. D. The court voted eight to one in favor of the ban, with Justice Peterson being the lone dissenting vote.

A. Rationale: Ratios and votes are always numerals, and separate the numerals with hyphens. Always capitalize a title when it comes right before a name.

A. 152 teachers packed into the auditorium for the Nov. workshop. B. One hundred fifty two teachers packed into the auditorium for the November workshop. C. One hundred fifty two teachers packed into the auditorium for the Nov. workshop. D. 152 teachers packed into the auditorium for the November workshop.

B Rationale: Always spell out a number when it starts a sentence. (However, the sentence would be less awkward written as: "Around 150 teachers packed . . .") Also, spell out months when they have no dates.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. George Wang, age 9 B. George Wang, 9 C. George Wang, nine D. George Wang, nine years old

B Rationale: Always use numerals for ages, even when less than 10. This is one of the exceptions to the "spell out when less than 10" rule. Also, put the age right after the name, separated by a comma. You don't need the word "age."

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. 9:00 a.m. B. 9 a.m. C. 9 o'clock a.m. D. nine a.m.

B Rationale: Always use numerals for times. When it's the top of the hour, never write ":00" or "o'clock.

Guidlines for advertising copywriters

Ad copywriters don't follow the AP Stylebook either. Also, copywriters have more flexibility than news writers and PR writers to bend and break grammar and punctuation rules. However, copywriters must know the basic rules of grammar before they bypass them. Innovation requires good judgment. When you know the rules, you're less likely to break them accidentally. Knowing the rules also helps protect you from clients who may mistake your rule-breaking for ignorance. Typically, use present tense unless you're describing something that happened in the past. Most sentences should be short, but vary sentence length too, as this will change the pace of the writing and keep readers alert. Know your brand and target audience: Though short, snappy sentences usually work well, they may be less appropriate for older readers or for certain kinds of brands. Copywriters may occasionally use sentence fragments. These can add punch. Personality. Power. But, if you use a fragment, you need to be fully aware that you're breaking a basic grammar rule, and you need to know why you're breaking the rule. Use contractions. This helps keep the writing conversational. Write concisely, but don't be dry. Use active voice and active verbs, and avoid redundancies. As with all media writing, try to "branch right" by starting a sentence with the subject and verb. Avoid starting sentences with phrases like this: At Blue Ridge Mall, you'll find . . . When writing for broadcast ads, follow the guidelines for writing for the spoken word in broadcast news writing. Generally, avoid negatives. "No" words can have a subtle but powerful effect on your readers. They can make people less agreeable and more resistant to your message.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. All Republican delegates will meet in Rm. 2 at 12 B. All Republican delegates will meet in Room 2 at noon. C. All republican delegates will meet in Room two at 12. D. All republican delegates will meet in Room 2 at noon.

B Rationale: Use "noon," not "12." Always capitalize political parties. Spell out and capitalize "Room," and room numbers are always numerals, even when less than 10.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. The senator's son was five years old. B. The Senator's son was five years old. C. The senator's son was 5 years old. D. The Senator's son was 5 years old.

C Lowercase titles when they stand alone ("senator"), and always use numerals for ages, even when less than 10.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. The new e-Push phone, produced by LufftonComp, Inc., will be only 2 inches long. B. The new e-Push phone, produced by LufftonComp Inc., will be only two inches long. C. The new e-Push phone, produced by LufftonComp Inc., will be only 2 inches long. D. The new e-Push phone, produced by LufftonComp Incorporated, will be only two inches long.

C Rationale: Abbreviate "Inc." and do not set it off with commas. Units of measurement are always numerals (unless they start a sentence.)

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. The House voted 314 to 116 to impose new standards for the amount of lead allowed in toys. B. The house voted 314-116 to impose new standards for the amount of lead allowed in toys. C. The House voted 314-116 to impose new standards for the amount of lead allowed in toys. D. The house voted 314 to 116 to impose new standards for the amount of lead allowed in toys.

C Rationale: The word "House" from House of Representatives gets capitalized. Don't use the word "to" in vote totals - only use a hyphen.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: . Lt. Gov. Dinesh Chopra raised more than $3,500,000 for his campaign. B. Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Chopra raised more than $3.5 million for his campaign. C. Lt. Gov. Dinesh Chopra raised more than $3.5 million for his campaign. (correct) D. Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Chopra raised more than 3.5 million dollars for his campaign.

C. Rationale: "Gov." and "Lt. Gov." are two of the titles that get abbreviated before names (and capitalize all titles when they come before names). Don't use zeroes when writing numbers in the millions or higher.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. A five to four court ruling B. A 5-to-4 court ruling C. A 5-4 court ruling D. A five-to-four court ruling

C. Use numerals for votes, scores and ratios. Separate the figures with only a hyphen.

Guidelines for film scriptwriting(don't use Ap stylebook)

Correct comma placement is critical. Incorrect comma placement in dialogue can "choke the speaker," affecting the flow and even the meaning of the screenplay. Be sparing with commas when you write action scenes, as commas slow the pace. As with all media writing, write concisely. Use active verbs and avoid adverbs and redundancies. People who may read your screenplay are busy and have lots of other screenplays to read. They are looking for an excuse to toss your screenplay aside. In general, use contractions in dialogue. People usually talk in abridged form in everyday speech, though this depends on the character and the situation. The dash (--) in dialogue usually indicates that someone is being cut off or interrupted in dialogue. The ellipses ( . . .) suggests a pause in the dialogue, such as a thought trailing off, or someone losing their train of thought. Use ellipses sparingly. A parenthetical statement under a speaker's name adds direction for the speaker. For example, add the character's age in parentheses if it's important to the narrative. Or, add a word or phrase to indicate an emotion that contrasts with the line, as below:

A. On October eighth the health department tested the water in lakes Mason and Pinecrest. B. On October 8 the health department tested the water in Lakes Mason and Pinecrest. C. On October 8 the health department tested the water in lakes Mason and Pinecrest. D. On Oct. 8 the health department tested the water in lakes Mason and Pinecrest.

D Rationale: Abbreviate long months with dates, and always use numerals for dates. Lowercase the word "lakes" because it refers to more than one lake.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. 12 pounds of shrimp costs 62 dollars. B. 12 pounds of shrimp costs $62 dollars. C. Twelve pounds of shrimp costs $62.00. D. Twelve pounds of shrimp costs $62.

D Rationale: Always spell out a numeral if it starts a sentence, even if it's 10 or higher. Put the numeral directly after the "$" and don't use a decimal and zeroes for even dollar amounts ($62).

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. $8.6 million dollars B. $8,600,000 C. 8,600,000 dollars D. $8.6 million

D Rationale: Do not use zeroes for amounts in the millions and higher, and spell out the word "million." Put the "$" in front of the number.

A. Around 40 percent of the players in the league are nine or younger. B. Around 40% of the players in the league are 9 or younger. C. Around 40% of the players in the league are nine or younger. D. Around 40 percent of the players in the league are 9 or younger.

D Rationale: Spell out the word "percent." Both percents and ages are always numerals.

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. "I wouldn't pay 5 cents for a ride that only goes 5 miles per hour," she said. B. "I wouldn't pay five cents for a ride that only goes 5 mph," she said. C. "I wouldn't pay 5 cents for a ride that only goes five mph," she said. D. "I wouldn't pay 5 cents for a ride that only goes 5 mph," she said.

D Rationale: Use numerals for all money amounts, even when less than 10. Units of measurement (like mph) are always numerals, even when less than 10.

A. The movie starts at 12 p.m. and costs $1. B. The movie starts at 12 and costs $1.00. C. The movie starts at midnight and costs one dollar. D. The movie starts at midnight and costs $1.

D Rationale: Use the word midnight, not 12 p.m. Write money amounts as a numeral preceded by a dollar sign ($1).

Pick the choice with the correct AP style: A. The four-hour game lasted until midnight, with the Marlins winning 8 to 7. B. The four-hour game lasted until 12 p.m., with the Marlins winning 8 to 7. C. The four-hour game lasted until 12 p.m. midnight, with the Marlins winning 8-7. D. The four-hour game lasted until midnight, with the Marlins winning 8-7.

D is correct. Rationale: Write "midnight," not 12 p.m. Write scores and ratios in numerals, and use hyphens between the numerals.

Take note-abbreviate states except...

Do abbreviate states when they follow towns or cities in datelines (the line at the top of a news story that shows the date and place of writing), or when they show political party affiliation (D-Mass., R-Ga.). Note that state abbreviations in AP Style are not in all-capital letters, as are postal state abbreviations. For example, the postal abbreviation AL is Ala. in AP Style.

Abbreviate corporation and incorporated when a company includes it at the end of their name. Do not set it off with commas.

Examples: The Gulf Oil Corp. Sun Microsystems Inc.

Abbreviate Many, but not all, titles when the title comes directly before a name

For example: Gov. Dan Riley Lt. Gov. Jim Anders Capt. Latisha Spencer Gen. Ryan Clapton (nearly all military and police titles get abbreviated) Rep. Juanita Reynolds Sen. Pierce McGovern Never abbreviate president, vice president or secretary (secretary of state, secretary of labor, etc.). There are other examples, but these are prominent ones.

Abbreviate long months if they are accompanied by dates

For example: Nov. 13, but November Sept. 11, but September Jan. 1, but January

2. Spell out US states whether they stand alone or follow a town or city. Also, set the state off with commas when following a town or city

For example: The rally was held in Annapolis, Maryland. Voter turnout was high in the Maryland primary. Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was once the state's capital. Alabama became a state in 1819.

4. Do not capitalize a body of government if you are writing about more than one or if you are referring to it in general, abstract way

For example: state legislatures around the country city hall buildings in our area The Alabama and Mississippi legislatures A school board is a governing body that . . .

Capitalization 2. Do not capitalize a title when it stands alone

This is the case when there is no person's name, or when the title follows the person's name, separated by a comma. For example: The president decided . . . She told the secretary of state that . . . Phil Scott, governor of Vermont, refused to . . . The captain, Mary Brown, said she . . .

Guidelines for broadcast news writing (they use the AP style book) and read aloud

Write in ALL CAPS. This makes it easier to read the story on the teleprompter. Use ellipses (...) instead of commas. This also makes it easier to read on a teleprompter. Use hyphens between letters in acronyms. (A-A-R-P) Write in present tense, as broadcast news is delivered with a sense of immediacy. However, don't use present tense when describing specific events that occurred in the past. Attributions for sources should come at the beginning of the sentence. You may use contractions since they are conversational. Write out all abbreviations (this is a deviation from AP Style). Parentheses contain unspoken information, like how to pronounce a name. Because broadcast news writing is read aloud, it is typically more conversational and personal than print news writing.

Use only the last name of the person and no title in the second and later mentions in the story

second reference

When you first introduce a person in a news story or media release, use the person's title and both first and last name

first reference(first time a person's name appears in the story)

Use a similar rule with oceans, lakes, rivers, and streets.

lakes Oconee and Lanier (but Lake Oconee) the Danube and Nile rivers (but the Danube River) Pine and Oak streets (but Pine Street) Around 97 percent of the earth's water is ocean water.

Take note: lengthy titles should be spelled out (not abbreviated) and place after a persons name, separated by a comma

note that person title is lowercase when following the persons name, though their organization is capitalized "This is a key event in the history of our state," said Rhett Fallon, director of the Institute for Southern Heritage and Literature.