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Last Seven DaysAnswer
We are entirely in agreement with you, for exactly the reason you gave: "There's a tendency to overuse parentheses and create defined terms, which is jarring to the reader."
Here's the relevant section of the abbreviations and acronyms entry:
AVOID AWKWARD CONSTRUCTIONS: Do not follow an organization's full name with an abbreviation or acronym in parentheses or set off by dashes. If an abbreviation or acronym would not be clear on second reference without this arrangement, do not use it.
Here's the relevant section of the abbreviations and acronyms entry:
AVOID AWKWARD CONSTRUCTIONS: Do not follow an organization's full name with an abbreviation or acronym in parentheses or set off by dashes. If an abbreviation or acronym would not be clear on second reference without this arrangement, do not use it.
Names not commonly before the public should not be reduced to acronyms solely to save a few words.
On second reference, we use simply the fund for the Taxpayer Relief Fund. As you note, there are no other funds in the story. The reader can figure it out. Similarly, the act on second reference for the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.
If you must, just use the acronym without putting it in parentheses first. Reasonable readers can figure it out.
On second reference, we use simply the fund for the Taxpayer Relief Fund. As you note, there are no other funds in the story. The reader can figure it out. Similarly, the act on second reference for the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.
If you must, just use the acronym without putting it in parentheses first. Reasonable readers can figure it out.
Question from Stillwater, OK on Feb. 22, 2019
A group of people tested a program while it was in beta form. They beta-tested it or beta tested it?
Answer
They beta-tested it.
Question from Saint Petersburg, FL on Feb. 22, 2019
Would "hackathon" take quotation marks on first reference?
Answer
Yes, use the quote marks on first reference.
Question from Oshkosh, WI on Feb. 21, 2019
When writing a story that uses a radio stations call letters multiple times, must the -FM be included upon further reference to a station?
Answer
No need to include that in later references.
Question from RSM, CA on Feb. 21, 2019
Hi there! CSUF journalism student here and we just went over the term "fiance" and "fiancee" and I had a question. Why don't we just use "fiance" for everyone so no one gets left out and feels included?
Answer
Those terms and spellings remain in common usage, so we are sticking with them. They are on our list to review in the future, however. Thanks for asking.
Answer
See the full entry. It's Achilles tendon but Achilles' heel, which has a different meaning entirely:
Achilles tendon No apostrophe for the tendon connecting the back of the heel to the calf muscles. But it's Achilles' heel, with an apostrophe, for a vulnerable spot.
Achilles tendon No apostrophe for the tendon connecting the back of the heel to the calf muscles. But it's Achilles' heel, with an apostrophe, for a vulnerable spot.
Question from Denver, CO on Feb. 21, 2019
Womenswear, menswear, infantwear, activewear, etc. are clarified in the AP Stylebook, but there is no definitive answer on childrenswear or kidswear. Are they also rendered as one word? Or should they be rendered as children's wear and kids' wear?
Answer
There's not a definitive word and there are varying views. I'd make it childrenswear and kidswear for consistency.
Question from Kansas City, MO on Feb. 21, 2019
Hi. I feel sure this is covered somewhere, but I can't find it. What is style for RN and LPN? Just like that, with no periods?
Answer
That's correct.
Question from Florida on Feb. 21, 2019
In the "home school" information, you have "home schooling" as a noun and "home-school" as a verb. I know you said you prefer to avoid using it as such, but would "home-schooling" be hyphenated as a verb? Ex. "If you're home-schooling, you may find that this is one of the subjects that causes the most friction between you and your kids."
Answer
Yes, hyphenate it in that use.
Question from Wauwatosa, WI on Feb. 21, 2019
would you use a hyphen in this?
STEM undergraduate degree holders are...
STEM undergraduate degree holders are...
Answer
I'd make it degree-holders.
Answer
We don't have a Stylebook entry covering this. But our standard practice is to include the time element later in the sentence:
The Unicameral’s Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee held a public hearing Tuesday on LB 257 (Collateral Insurance/Loss Payee).
If there's a reason to emphasize the time element, it's fine to put it at the front. Or sometimes you might do that just to vary the rhythm of the sentence in the context of the rest of the piece. Be careful, though, because it could be awkward. Think of it in terms of the way people speak. You're more likely to say "I went to the store today" than "today, I went to the store."
The Unicameral’s Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee held a public hearing Tuesday on LB 257 (Collateral Insurance/Loss Payee).
If there's a reason to emphasize the time element, it's fine to put it at the front. Or sometimes you might do that just to vary the rhythm of the sentence in the context of the rest of the piece. Be careful, though, because it could be awkward. Think of it in terms of the way people speak. You're more likely to say "I went to the store today" than "today, I went to the store."
Answer
I'd make it this: energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for the Energy and Environment Sciences Directorate
Question from COLUMBIA, MO on Feb. 20, 2019
12-18 months out
or
12 to 18 months out
??
or
12 to 18 months out
??
Answer
Either is fine.
Question from Anna Maria, FL on Feb. 20, 2019
The City of Anna Maria's seal capitalizes "City." Should we? Or should we call it the city of Anna Maria? Or just Anna Maria? The island in which the city - and two others - are located is named Anna Maria Island, so there has to be a distinction. Also, should City Commission be capitalized on second reference? Both words are in all caps in the city's agenda documents. Thank you!
Answer
AP style is either the city of Anna Maria or just Anna Maria, if in the context it's clear that you're talking about the city.
On second reference, lowercase the city commission or the commission.
On second reference, lowercase the city commission or the commission.
Answer
We don't have a specific style for that. We would use the bulleted list format. I would say, though, that you definitely shouldn't use a capital letter for each item. The rest looks fine but again, it's not a style we would use.
Answer
I would use the Himalayas, rather than the Himalayan region.
Question from KANSAS CITY, MO on Feb. 20, 2019
doctor visit or doctor's visit? Thanks!
Answer
A visit to the doctor, or a health checkup. Perhaps a doctor visit. Definitely not a doctor's visit, unless you're talking about a visit to you by the doctor.
Question from on Feb. 20, 2019
Farthest or furthest in the following sentence? Thanks in advance!
The delay in cash collections is because subcontractors are furthest down the payment stream on a project.
The delay in cash collections is because subcontractors are furthest down the payment stream on a project.
Answer
I'd use furthest, since it's not a physical distance.
farther, further
Farther refers to physical distance: He walked farther into the woods.
Further refers to an extension of time or degree: She will look further into the mystery.
Question from on Feb. 20, 2019
Would you write apart of a team or a part of a team? Thanks
Answer
Two words in that usage: He was a part of a team that won ...
Question from Bangalore on Feb. 20, 2019
Many of the oil & gas projects that were previously delayed due to lower oil prices are coming back online.
Is the term "online" one word or two words here? It's a common usage in our write-ups.
Is the term "online" one word or two words here? It's a common usage in our write-ups.
Answer
Webster's New World College Dictionary uses one word only for the computer sense:
on•line
(än´līn´)
adj. 1 designating or of equipment directly controlled by the central processing unit of a computer 2 connected to and ready to receive data from or transmit data to a computer or computer network 3 available on or done through the internet or some other computer network —adv. on or by means of the internet or some other computer network Also written on-line
I don't think there's a settled style for the usage you refer to. I'd use two words, though.
I don't think there's a settled style for the usage you refer to. I'd use two words, though.
Question from Providence, RI on Feb. 19, 2019
Would "winner take all" be hyphenated when not modifying anything? For example, "E-commerce can't be winner take all." Thanks!
Answer
Yes, I'd hyphenate in that usage.
Question from Oregonia, OH on Feb. 19, 2019
Is this correct usage and punctuation?
7.1 percent of those who remained alone for at least half the period also died.
Thanks
7.1 percent of those who remained alone for at least half the period also died.
Thanks
Answer
AP style doesn't allow for starting sentences with numerals (with a few exceptions):
AT THE START OF A SENTENCE: In general, spell out numbers at the start of a sentence: Forty years was a long time to wait. Fifteen to 20 cars were involved in the accident. An exception is years: 1992 was a very good year. Another exception: Numeral(s) and letter(s) combinations: 401(k) plans are offered. 4K TVs are flying off the shelves. 3D movies are drawing more fans.
AT THE START OF A SENTENCE: In general, spell out numbers at the start of a sentence: Forty years was a long time to wait. Fifteen to 20 cars were involved in the accident. An exception is years: 1992 was a very good year. Another exception: Numeral(s) and letter(s) combinations: 401(k) plans are offered. 4K TVs are flying off the shelves. 3D movies are drawing more fans.
Question from Raleigh, NC on Feb. 19, 2019
Does the expression "coupled with..." when inserted between a subject and a verb affect the number of the verb?
Answer
No. The apples coupled with the sauce make for a good dessert.
Question from Summit, NJ on Feb. 19, 2019
Hi. How would you punctuate this sentence? Would you put a comma in this sentence, break it in two or no comma?
Finding opportunities in can be challenging, unless you know where to look.
Finding opportunities in can be challenging, unless you know where to look.
Answer
Any of those approaches could work grammatically. Using the comma in this case creates a pause in the reader's mind, and more separation between the two thoughts. Turning it into two sentences creates even more of a pause and more drama. It almost sets up a big reveal (look under the big rock beside the bridge to find a secret message directing you to the opportunities!) so I'd avoid that approach unless you're about to say something unexpected or revealing. Using no comma lets the thoughts flow seamlessly.
Here is some detail. Bottom line, in this case you can use the comma or not.
WITH CONJUNCTIONS: When a conjunction such as and, but or for links two clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences, use a comma before the conjunction in most cases: She was glad she had looked, for a man was approaching the house.
Here is some detail. Bottom line, in this case you can use the comma or not.
WITH CONJUNCTIONS: When a conjunction such as and, but or for links two clauses that could stand alone as separate sentences, use a comma before the conjunction in most cases: She was glad she had looked, for a man was approaching the house.
As a rule of thumb, use a comma if the subject of each clause is expressly stated: We are visiting Washington, and we also plan a side trip to Williamsburg. We visited Washington, and our senator greeted us personally. But no comma when the subject of the two clauses is the same and is not repeated in the second: We are visiting Washington and plan to see the White House.
The comma may be dropped if two clauses with expressly stated subjects are short. In general, however, favor use of a comma unless a particular literary effect is desired or if it would distort the sense of a sentence.
Question from Atlanta, GA on Feb. 19, 2019
How do you punctuate series of quotations. For example: She said, "Okay, darlin'," "Have a goodnight, baby" and "We have to fatten you up."
Answer
That looks fine (though our style is OK, not okay).
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