An Examination of Common AP Style Quirks
When it comes to writing, adhering to a set style guide is crucial for maintaining clarity and consistency. One such widely used guide is the AP Stylebook, but despite its popularity, it is not without its peculiarities. Here, we uncover some of the most aggravating quirks and contradictions within AP style that can leave even the most seasoned writers scratching their heads.
The Oxford Comma Debate
Let’s start with the perennial debate over the Oxford comma. Also known as the serial comma, it involves placing a comma before the final conjunction in a list of three or more items. While AP Style typically omits the Oxford comma, clarity should always be the primary consideration. Omitting the comma can sometimes lead to ambiguity, as seen in the example of inviting “my parents, Zach and Judy,” where it’s unclear if Zach and Judy are the parents or additional invitees.
The Hyphenation Dilemma
Hyphen use in AP Style remains a contentious issue, especially with compound modifiers. While some phrases like “first-quarter earnings” require hyphenation, others, such as “third-grade teacher,” do not. The key, according to AP Style, is to prioritize readability and avoid unnecessary clutter.
Navigating Numerals
AP Style dictates that numbers one to nine should be spelled out, while numerals are used for 10 and above. However, exceptions abound in cases like ages, percentages, and paired numbers, leading to potential confusion when mixing spelled-out and numerical forms in the same sentence.
The Complexity of Time
AP Style’s treatment of time can also pose challenges, with lowercase “a.m.” and “p.m.” differing from the more commonly used uppercase “AM” and “PM.” The stylebook’s preference for using figures and colons for time notation, with some exceptions, can add further complexity to writing about time.
Deciphering State Abbreviations
State abbreviations in AP style can be a minefield, requiring spelled-out state names in narratives but specific abbreviations in datelines. Some states, like Alaska and Texas, remain unabbreviated in both instances, adding another layer of complexity to state name usage.
Titles and Courtesy Titles
AP Style’s rules on capitalizing titles before names but lowercase titles after names can cause confusion, leading some writers to prioritize consistency over strict adherence to the style guide. Similarly, the avoidance of courtesy titles like Mr. and Mrs. outside of select contexts can clash with reader expectations in formal settings.
Navigating Academic Degrees
Another area of contention lies in the presentation of academic degrees, with AP Style preferring spelled-out forms like “bachelor’s degree” over abbreviations like “B.A.” Exceptions exist, such as for “Ph.D.,” adding further nuances to degree formatting.
Punctuation Placement in Quotes
AP Style’s insistence on placing periods and commas inside quotation marks can defy logic for those accustomed to a different approach. The rule mandates internal punctuation even when not part of the quoted material, leading to potential confusion for writers.
The Quirks of Internet Terms
Lastly, navigating internet terms in AP Style can reveal further inconsistencies, such as one-word versus two-word spellings and hyphenation variations. Terms like “webmaster” and “email” showcase the stylebook’s nuanced approach to digital terminology.
Despite its idiosyncrasies, the AP Stylebook remains a valuable resource for writers seeking clear and consistent language usage. As it continues to evolve with new editions and updated guidelines, writers can rely on this enduring tool to refine their craft and uphold standards of excellence in communication.
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