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Last Seven DaysQuestion from Lawrence, KS on Aug. 19, 2019
We increasingly see exhibition titles (or other works) in all-lowercase letters. Can we honor this when we have quotation marks around the title? Example: The exhibition "fall leaves" opens Sept. 1.
Answer
Yes, that's fine.
Question from Lewiston, ID on Aug. 17, 2019
This sentence is from an obituary. Would "earth" remain lowercase?
To her very last days on earth, she was humming songs.
To her very last days on earth, she was humming songs.
Answer
Capitalize it. Here's the entry:
Earth
Capitalize when used as the proper name of the planet, lowercase for other uses. The astronauts returned to Earth. He hopes to move heaven and earth. She is down-to-earth. The moon, Earth and sun lined up to create the only total lunar eclipse this year.
Question from OPELOUSAS, LA on Aug. 17, 2019
Is it "gray" or "grey" when referring to the color, not a name or any other title?
Webster's has "grey" as the British sp. of gray.
Well then, when does one decide how to spell the color no matter what country the writing appears?
Seems to be a longstanding conundrum.
Thanks.
Webster's has "grey" as the British sp. of gray.
Well then, when does one decide how to spell the color no matter what country the writing appears?
Seems to be a longstanding conundrum.
Thanks.
Answer
Question from Englewood, NJ on Aug. 17, 2019
For this sentence, is it correct for the period to be outside of the quotation marks?
Seniors can easily get around on the public transportation system, known locally as the "T".
Seniors can easily get around on the public transportation system, known locally as the "T".
Answer
No. The period always goes inside the quotation marks in AP style.
Question from Englewood, NJ on Aug. 17, 2019
There is an error in the section about quotations. The first sample sentence is missing the end quote marks.
It reads: He said, "I am shocked and horrified by the slaying.
It reads: He said, "I am shocked and horrified by the slaying.
Answer
No, it's correct. See the first sentence of the section in question:
If a paragraph does not start with quotation marks but ends with a quotation that is continued in the next paragraph, do not use close-quote marks at the end of the introductory paragraph if the quoted material constitutes a full sentence. Use close-quote marks, however, if the quoted material does not constitute a full sentence. For example:
If a paragraph does not start with quotation marks but ends with a quotation that is continued in the next paragraph, do not use close-quote marks at the end of the introductory paragraph if the quoted material constitutes a full sentence. Use close-quote marks, however, if the quoted material does not constitute a full sentence. For example:
He said, "I am shocked and horrified by the slaying.
"I am so horrified, in fact, that I will ask for the death penalty."
But: He said he was "shocked and horrified by the slaying."
"I am so horrified, in fact, that I will ask for the death penalty," he said.
Question from Kihei, HI on Aug. 16, 2019
What is the right way to treat the italicized words in this sentence? Should they be enclosed in quotation marks?
"Some of the negative age-related words that Levy used in her study include decline, dependent, dementia, and dying, while the positive ones included guidance, wise, insightful, and enlightened. "
"Some of the negative age-related words that Levy used in her study include decline, dependent, dementia, and dying, while the positive ones included guidance, wise, insightful, and enlightened. "
Answer
I don't think quotation marks are necessary. The meaning is clear without them. On another point, AP style doesn't use the Oxford comma in simple series such as these:
Some of the negative age-related words that Levy used in her study include decline, dependent, dementia and dying, while the positive ones included guidance, wise, insightful and enlightened.
Some of the negative age-related words that Levy used in her study include decline, dependent, dementia and dying, while the positive ones included guidance, wise, insightful and enlightened.
Question from Porter Ranch, CA on Aug. 16, 2019
I want to attribute multiple titles to a person. Would I use hyphens, slashes or commas?
e.g. Director, writer, producer Joe Smith created ... or Director-writer-producer Joe Smith created...
e.g. Director, writer, producer Joe Smith created ... or Director-writer-producer Joe Smith created...
Answer
We'd avoid such constructions. How about just: Joe Smith, the show's director, writer and producer, created ...
Question from Milford, MA on Aug. 16, 2019
What is the AP rule regarding whether there is a space between an abbreviation for a measurement and its number (i.e., 9V battery, 10 amp fuse, 5-cm gap)?
Answer
We don't have an overall rule; it varies depending on the measurement and common usage.
Answer
We'll take a look at it. Thanks for noting it.
Question from washington, DC on Aug. 15, 2019
should the full spelling of an acronym be capitalized even when it's not a proper noun, for example "I reduced Prevention Quality Indicators (PQI) by 55% by upgrading the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. " Should the first letter of Prevention Quality Indicators and Customer Relationship Management be upper case or lowercase? And would that apply in all cases? (no pun intended)
Answer
No; generally lowercase. Also, we don't use a parenthetical abbreviations and acronyms. If the shorthand is clear on second reference, just use it on second reference. Here is the full entry.
Question from Westerville, OH on Aug. 15, 2019
Shouldn't from/to constructions reflect parallel structure, i.e., from A and B to C and D OR from A to B? I keep correcting from A to B and C, telling the writer that it should be from A and B to C and D. The writer disagrees. Your thoughts?
Example: From cars and bikes to planes and trains (I say this is correct) vs. From cars to planes and trains (I say this is incorrect)
Example: From cars and bikes to planes and trains (I say this is correct) vs. From cars to planes and trains (I say this is incorrect)
Answer
You're correct, generally speaking. But I can't quite figure out the logic in the groupings of cars and bikes vs. planes and trains. The first set travels on roadways and the second set doesn't? Maybe, but that's pretty obscure unless it's clear in the context.
The from A to B and C could be correct if A is one class of things and B and C are another class: from apples to ham and steak. Or if B and C are often thought of as combined: from apples to meat and potatoes (ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly).
The from A to B and C could be correct if A is one class of things and B and C are another class: from apples to ham and steak. Or if B and C are often thought of as combined: from apples to meat and potatoes (ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly).
Question from Scottsdale, AZ on Aug. 15, 2019
Would you include a hyphen between prior and years' in the following sentence? State income taxes are recorded net of any prior years' refunds. Thanks!
Answer
No hyphen there.
Question from New York on Aug. 15, 2019
Hi there! How would AP recommend formatting/styling the title of a fundraising campaign? For example, say the institution's campaign is called A Brighter Future. Would it be italicized, in quotes, or no additional formatting at all?
Answer
I'd use the guidelines in this entry:
events
Titles of special events, such as art exhibits and touring displays, are enclosed in quotes with primary words capitalized: “Mummies: New Secrets From the Tombs” at Chicago’s Field Museum. Names of annually recurring events are capitalized without quotes: North American International Auto Show in Detroit; Calgary Stampede.
Question from CHANDLER, AZ on Aug. 15, 2019
After reading your latest email, "AP Stylebook: Back-to-School Topical Guide and updates," I've got to ask this. Why are decades (1960s, 1970s, etc) written without an apostrophe (with the explanation "show plural by adding the letter s"), but you indicate the letter grades (A, B, C, etc) and the "three R's" should have apostrophes, when they also indicate plural?
Answer
That's the style that's been in place for decades, so I can't speak with 100% certainty about the reasoning. I believe, though, that was adopted for clarity. Adding an apostrophe in the decades adds no clarity; it just adds an apostrophe. Adding an apostrophe to single letters can, in some cases, enhance clarity and comprehension. A's vs. As.
We don't use a hyphen with letter combinations.
FIGURES: Add s: The custom began in the 1920s. The airline has two 727s. Temperatures will be in the low 20s. There were five size 7s.
We don't use a hyphen with letter combinations.
FIGURES: Add s: The custom began in the 1920s. The airline has two 727s. Temperatures will be in the low 20s. There were five size 7s.
(No apostrophes, an exception to Webster's New World College Dictionary guideline under "apostrophe.")
SINGLE LETTERS: Use 's: Mind your p's and q's. He learned the three R's and brought home a report card with four A's and two B's. The Oakland A's won the pennant.
MULTIPLE LETTERS: Add s: She knows her ABCs. I gave him five IOUs. Four VIPs were there.
Answer
Here's the guidance, which applies to headlines as well as regular text:
The dash, the semicolon, the colon, the question mark and the exclamation point go within the quotation marks when they apply to the quoted matter only. They go outside when they apply to the whole sentence.
So, outside the quotation mark in this case.
The dash, the semicolon, the colon, the question mark and the exclamation point go within the quotation marks when they apply to the quoted matter only. They go outside when they apply to the whole sentence.
So, outside the quotation mark in this case.
Question from on Aug. 14, 2019
When used as an adjective to describe something that is outstanding, is it premier or premiere? "It is California's premier association of professional interpreters."
Answer
It's premier in that sense.
Question from Milwaukee, WI on Aug. 14, 2019
I'm sorry, but I can't seem to find consistent answers regarding dimensions. For paper sizes, would it be:
- 8.5- by 11-inch paper
or
- 8.5-by-11.5-inch paper (I believe this is what is used for pan sizes.)
Thanks in advance!
Answer
It's the latter, the same as for pan sizes.
From the hyphen entry:
SUSPENSIVE HYPHENATION: Use these forms to shorten a compound modifier or a noun phrase that shares a common word:
From the hyphen entry:
SUSPENSIVE HYPHENATION: Use these forms to shorten a compound modifier or a noun phrase that shares a common word:
When the elements are joined by and or or, expressing more than one element: 10-, 15- or 20-minute intervals; 5- and 6-year-olds. But: The intervals are 10, 15 or 20 minutes; the children are 5 to 6 years old.
When the elements are joined by to or by, expressing a single element: a 10-to-15-year prison term; an 8-by-12-inch pan. But: The prison term is 10 to 15 years; the pan is 8 by 12 inches.
Answer
The comma there is optional. It adds a bit of a pause to the sentence, and thus lends some emphasis to before anyone else.
Question from Bellingham, WA on Aug. 14, 2019
Is there AP style on "front of house staff" or "front-of-house staff"? Without hyphens seems to be most commonly used, but does AP have style guidance for this?
Answer
If you're writing for people in the industry who know the term (which I imagine you are), then no hyphens are needed. If the audience is more general (say, for instance, an airline magazine), I'd use hyphens and explain the term. My mom would be perplexed if you didn't.
Question from Preston, MD on Aug. 14, 2019
What is correct punctuation:
"The truth is, the problem is likely to continue and there is very little we can do about it."
"The truth is, the problem is likely to continue and there is very little we can do about it."
Answer
It's fine as you have it.
Question from New York on Aug. 14, 2019
Would you capitalize meetings that occur at a regular time each week/month? For example, a school's all-school gathering = morning meeting. The monthly meeting of parents = Parent Association evening meeting. Same question for semi-annual board meetings. Thanks in advance!
Answer
We lowercase them.
Question from San Francisco, CA on Aug. 14, 2019
Is "Track Changes" capitalized when referencing the Microsoft Word feature?
Answer
We'd write it this way: Use the "track changes" feature.
Question from Raleigh, NC on Aug. 14, 2019
Should there be a hyphen after ever when it is followed by an adjective that precedes a noun? (e.g., ever-larger project)
Answer
Yes, hyphenate that.
Question from Jacksonville, FL on Aug. 14, 2019
When referring to our City Council, is it "the City Council" or just "City Council"?
Answer
We use the article, but local usage sometimes differs.
Question from New York, NY on Aug. 14, 2019
I'd like to confirm that AP now calls the capital of Kazakhstan Nur-Sultan, and not Astana, following the change in March.
Answer
Yes, we call it Nur-Sultan.
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2019 Back-to-School Topical Guide
The Associated Press has compiled a style guide of essential words, phrases and definitions related to the return to classes. Terms are from the AP Stylebook, usage in AP stories and Webster's New...
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