Ask the Editor

Last Seven Days

Answer

I'd definitely hyphenate it as a modifier, as in that use.


Answer

I'm not sure what the term refers to. But, assuming it's not a proper name: waters of the United States.

Answer

Either way is OK. I prefer the second option.

Answer

The first option. We capitalize titles only when they directly precede a name. Not after a name or when standing alone, as in your examples.

Answer

We would. Whether you do is up to you. But generally we intend for our style to apply to all formats.

Answer

multibillion-dollar drug

Answer

Choose the article based on how the acronym or initialism is spoken: an FBI agent; a NATO meeting. But the tricky part you note is indeed tricky. I don't know of any rule that covers that. My suggestion: Go with whichever article is correct with the full phrase as well as with one of the two acronym/initialism pronunciations. As Meatloaf noted, two out of three ain't bad. 

Question from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, on June 6, 2023

Hello! June is Pride Month or June is Pride month?
Thank you.

Answer

Our style is Pride month.

Answer

That means see the individual separate listings, such as multi-, pre-, over-, etc. However: Your question makes me think that we should compile an actual list. I will put that on my ... list.

Answer

If you consider them a "region" of sorts, then yes. 

Question from New berlin, Wisconsin, on June 6, 2023

Hi,
I'm curious about two conflicting answers you gave to a similar question. When referring to a graduating class, should the "c" in class be uppercase or lower case? Here are the two questions from your archive:

QUESTION from Canton, Conn., on April 21, 2015
ANSWERBoth depending on the usage. Jim Smith graduated from Madison High School in the Class of '62. Jim Smith, class of '62, is a longtime booster of Madison High athletics.

QUESTION from Alexandria, Virginia, on Aug. 7, 2019

Hello! 
Should "class" be uppercase or lowercase in a sentence when you are referring to "the class of 2000," for example? Or should it be "the Class of 2000"?
Thank you!

ANSWER
I'd use the lowercase.

Why uppercase "Class of '66" in the first question but not the "Class of 2000" in the second question? 

Thank you!

Answer

Thanks for pointing that out. It should be class of '66 (lowercase)  in all uses. That's supported by both Webster's New World College Dictionary and Merriam-Webster, which are entirely separate. We will delete the 2015 response (which was by a different editor). And we will correct the relevant section of the numerals entry.

Answer

As a prefix, sub- is generally lowercase. Merriam-Webster and the American Heritage Dictionary (which are entirely separate from WNWCD) also use the lowercase. 

Answer

No. Lowercase.

Answer

Yes, we hyphenate that. The term isn't as well known as the others, so the hyphen helps with clarity.

Answer

In that use: unrealized losses on bond holdings deteriorated.

Answer

Reasonable and knowledgeable people debate that one. There are arguments both ways. I'd recommend the plural, since the sense is clearly plural. But if you prefer the singular, many people would support that view as well.

Answer

I'd omit the comma.

Answer

Either is OK in that context.

Answer

G8, for consistency.

Answer

Yes, it's fine as you have it, in that use. 

La Conner: a wonderful place.

Answer

They are lowercase. 

Answer

That's correct.

Answer

That's OK. Sometimes you need to be flexible with the "rules" if you do it knowingly and for a reason.

Answer

First, in our style we don't put acronyms in parentheses after the full name. We believe that either the acronym should be clear enough to be understood without the parenthetical reference, or it shouldn't be used at all. You can choose to do differently, of course. Here's the abbreviations and acronyms entry.

As for the question of the, that's largely idiomatic. There's no firm rule. When people talk about FERC, or the FERC, which do they say? Go with that usage. 


Answer

In our style, job titles are lowercase when they stand alone, as in your examples, or when the follow a name. 

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 Webster's New World College 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.

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 Webster's New World College 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