This site has been regularly updated since its initial publication in 1953. the 2019 edition of The Associated Press Stylebook features over 200 new or revised entries — and for theThis chapter is the first to include a section on science and health coverage.
Here are some examples 14Style rulesThese are important to mention. Check out our past editions for more clarifications. APStylebook recaps.
Commonly misunderstood words
At @APStylebook, there were two very popular chats that covered commonly misunderstood words. You are the expert. the ones — they make writers’ eyes twitch when they see theIt is wrong to use one.
It was hard to choose from so many great reminders. toChoose a few toHighlight here. These are our top picks:
-
- (*14*)Disinterested means impartial. Uninterested refers to a person lacking interest.
(*14*)Dessert is a sweet treat. Desert is an area with little vegetation and arid terrain. This is a difficult one to remember. Just think of “strawberry shortcake” toRemember the double “s” in dessert.
(*14*)Continual describes a steady repetition. Continuous refers to continuous, uninterrupted, unbroken.
(*14*)You can give someone a compliment or complimentary drinks. When describing completeness or excellence, use complement theSupplementing is a process.
(*14*)Cannons are weapons, but canon is a law or rule.
(*14*)Ensure means guarantee. Insure is used toRefer to insurance. Assure means toHave faith
(*14*)Effect, when used as a noun, means result. It is also used as a verb. to cause. When used as a verb, affect means “cause”. toInfluence
(*14*)Farther refers toFurther refers to physical distance toA prolongation of time or degree
(*14*)Every day (two words) is an adverb, while everyday (one word) is an adjective. Everybody can be used toAll persons. It’s two words (every one) if describing each individual item.
The darknet
Additional to theOnline edition the2016 Stylebook, darknet is written in one word and no hyphen.
Electronic cigarettes
The second reference is that e-cigarettes are acceptable. theBattery-operated device You should not use an e-cigarette. They can also be referred to as vaping devices.
Juuling and Juuling are not verbs.
Years
This was one of my most memorable years as a proofreader. the most common mistakes I came across. AP StyleHere are some useful reminders about how years should be written.
-
- (*14*)When referencing a month, day and year, theYou should use commas to separate year. For example: theMay will see high school reunions 14, 2024, in San Diego.
(*14*)When referencing a span of decades or centuries, do not include an apostrophe before the “s.” The 1920s is correct; 1920’s is not.
Doughnuts
National Doughnut Day AP StyleA reminder was posted that theWhile doughnut is the preferred spelling, it is also acceptable to use donut as an informal spelling. to Webster’s New World College Dictionary.
Frosting and icing both are acceptable toDescribe toppings on doughnuts or other sweets.
Data
Use singular verbs and pronouns when writing for a general audience. theWord data: The data are sound.
Academic and scientific writing prefers pronouns over plural verbs.
Databank and database are one word, while data processing and datacenter are two.
(sic)
Since many readers don’t know what it means, AP Stylebook advises against using (sic) toIn a direct quotation, indicate any errors in grammar or spelling
Paraphrasing is generally acceptable the best option.
If the quote is necessary, don’t include (sic) or alter the speaker’s words, even if they don’t follow AP Style.
Islam
Islam is the world’s second-largest religion. Let’s review some of theIt is characterized by key terms.
-
- (*14*)Followers of Islam are Muslims.
(*14*)Their holy book, the Quran “was revealed by Allah (God) to the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century in Mecca and Medina,” according toIslamic faith
(*14*)The Islamic place of worship is a mosque.
(*14*)Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem are home to theThree holy sites of Islam.
Italics
Italics should not be used in general AP Style. Titles of movies, books, songs, and works of art should be placed in quotation marks should be enclosed in quotes.
Subscribers to APStylebook Online is available for viewing theSee the entry on composition titles for more details.
Percentages
A major change was announced at ACES 2019. percentageAcceptable symbols are now toIn most cases, use numerals.
There is no space between the spaces theFigure percentagesymbol
If you’re referencing a range, “to,” “and” and a dash are all acceptable options.
Here is a summary of theAdditional changes are possible the APStylebook blog.
Login vs. log in
Login (one-word) is a noun. It does not need to be separated by hyphens. Login and logoff do not need hyphens.
Log in (two words), is a verb
For example, a username and password make up a person’s login, which are used to log in toThey can also use their computer.
Hyphens for double-e combinations
Due toCommon usage and dictionary preferences dictate that hyphens no longer need to be used for double-e combination with pre- or re-prefixes.
This includes words like preeminent and preexisting, as well as reemerge, reenact, and reemerge.
Punctuation around quotation markers
As a proofreader, another fix I used was punctuation around and in quotation marks.
Per AP StyleAlways place periods, commas, and commas inside. the quotation marks.
Other punctuation — such as dashes, question marks and exclamation points — will go inside theIf they are applicable, use quotation marks to theCited text If applicable to theThey should be outside the sentence in its entirety the quotation marks.
Racism, racist
AP Stylebook made recent changes toHow to use these terms.
-
- (*14*)If racism or racist is applicable, racially charged should not be used as a euphemism.
(*14*)Both terms “can be used in broad references or in quotations to describe theHatred of a race or affirmation of the superiority of one race over others.”
See theOriginal post at Beyond Bylines
