Ask the Editor: Highlights
Ask the Editor is a forum on writing, style and phrasing issues that go beyond the pages of the AP Stylebook. The AP Stylebook's editors field questions posed by subscribers to AP Stylebook Online. Below is a sampling of recent questions and answers.
Click on a topic below to learn more about AP style:
Question from Mission Viejo, California, on Dec. 12, 2024
In high school topics, would students abbreviate the class physical education as PE or P.E.? Writing physical education multiple times on the same page seems repetitive.
Answer
Use the periods, in keeping with our general guidance in the abbreviations and acronyms entry:
CAPS, PERIODS: Use capital letters and periods according to the listings in this book. For words not in this book, use the first-listed abbreviation in Merriam-Webster. Generally, omit periods in acronyms unless the result would spell an unrelated word. But use periods in most two-letter abbreviations: U.S., U.N., U.K., B.A., B.C. (AP, a trademark, is an exception. Also, no periods in GI, ID and EU, among others.) In headlines, do not use periods in abbreviations, unless required for clarity.
CAPS, PERIODS: Use capital letters and periods according to the listings in this book. For words not in this book, use the first-listed abbreviation in Merriam-Webster. Generally, omit periods in acronyms unless the result would spell an unrelated word. But use periods in most two-letter abbreviations: U.S., U.N., U.K., B.A., B.C. (AP, a trademark, is an exception. Also, no periods in GI, ID and EU, among others.) In headlines, do not use periods in abbreviations, unless required for clarity.
Question from Olympia, Washington, on Dec. 06, 2024
Hi Paula & team --
In your view, has the "IT" of information technology attained FBI, NATO and COVID status yet, allowing the initialism as acceptable on first reference if the report is clearly about computer tech and related devices? AP is my agency's underlying style guide; our current in-house style is to write it out and (paren the IT) but I'd like to revise this entry in 2025.
Many thanks!
Laura C.
In your view, has the "IT" of information technology attained FBI, NATO and COVID status yet, allowing the initialism as acceptable on first reference if the report is clearly about computer tech and related devices? AP is my agency's underlying style guide; our current in-house style is to write it out and (paren the IT) but I'd like to revise this entry in 2025.
Many thanks!
Laura C.
Answer
Here's the guidance. Decide which category – general or more technically oriented – applies to your audience:
IT
IT
Abbreviation for information technology. For general audiences, use IT only on second reference. For more technically oriented audiences, IT is acceptable on all references.
On a related point: We never put the abbreviation in parentheses. We simply write information technology on first reference, and IT thereafter.
See the abbreviations and acronyms entry for more detail.
Question from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Nov. 18, 2024
How do I correctly write a 5K race on first reference, when it is not in a headline?
This is for a photo caption.
This is for a photo caption.
Answer
It's a 5K race. Here's the entry:
K
The K abbreviation is acceptable in headline and statistical references to kilometers, such as a 10K race; in baseball for strikeouts: pitcher records 12 K's; and monetary amounts in thousands: employee earns $80K
Question from Mc Lean, Virginia, on Oct. 30, 2024
Hello! When writing a quote in an article/press release or in dialogue or whatever, if the person says a date, like February 20, would you abbreviate it to Feb. 20?
"I went to the store on Feb. 20," he said.
I realize if it was quoted from written material we would just leave it as it was written.. just curious about how abbreviations would work in writing spoken quotes. Thank you!
"I went to the store on Feb. 20," he said.
I realize if it was quoted from written material we would just leave it as it was written.. just curious about how abbreviations would work in writing spoken quotes. Thank you!
Answer
Abbreviate it, following this section of the quotations in the news entry:
When quoting spoken words, present them in the format that reflects AP style: No. 1, St., Gov., $3. But quotes should not be changed otherwise for reasons of style. If the speaker says towards, do not change it to toward.
When quoting spoken words, present them in the format that reflects AP style: No. 1, St., Gov., $3. But quotes should not be changed otherwise for reasons of style. If the speaker says towards, do not change it to toward.
Question from on Oct. 22, 2024
Is AI OK on first use, or should it be written as "artificial intelligence (AI)" first?
Answer
We don't put acronyms or abbreviations in parentheses. Use the term artificial intelligence on first reference. Then simply AI on later references.
Here are two relevant entries:
Artificial Intelligence chapter
abbreviations and acronyms
Here are two relevant entries:
Artificial Intelligence chapter
abbreviations and acronyms
Question from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on Jan. 02, 2025
Besides avoiding it, how do you handle starting a sentence with a business name that starts with a lower case letter? I searched but can't find an answer. Thanks in advance for some guidance.
Answer
In the company names entry, see the last sentence:
Generally, follow the spelling preferred by the company, but capitalize the first letter of company names in all uses: e.g., Adidas, Lululemon. Exceptions include company names such as eBay, which have a capital letter elsewhere in the name. However, company names should always be capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.
I'll note that there is some debate about this, and that part of the guidance may change in the future. Or not. I will be well into retirement at that point and won't get to participate ... but truly, if you think it's more logical to start sentence with eBay or iPhone rather than EBay or IPhone, I personally wouldn't argue.
Generally, follow the spelling preferred by the company, but capitalize the first letter of company names in all uses: e.g., Adidas, Lululemon. Exceptions include company names such as eBay, which have a capital letter elsewhere in the name. However, company names should always be capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.
I'll note that there is some debate about this, and that part of the guidance may change in the future. Or not. I will be well into retirement at that point and won't get to participate ... but truly, if you think it's more logical to start sentence with eBay or iPhone rather than EBay or IPhone, I personally wouldn't argue.
Question from Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Nov. 18, 2024
When writing about the core values upon which this country was founded, ...Value1, Value2, etc., are those values proper nouns/capitalized? Individual Freedom as opposed to individual freedom, Self-Reliance vice self-reliance, and so on.
Answer
Lowercase. They're not proper nouns.
Question from Salem, Virginia, on Oct. 29, 2024
I thought the AP Stylebook used to include guidance on whether to capitalize "independent" in terms of political affiliation, but I no longer see that. My recollection was that it is lowercase.
Ex: "The Democratic ticket is strong, as expected in the heavily Democrat city, but a Republican or independent might win that third seat."
Ex: "The Democratic ticket is strong, as expected in the heavily Democrat city, but a Republican or independent might win that third seat."
Answer
I don't recall that we've had guidance. But if we did, it would be to lowercase independent.
Question from Plano, Texas, on Oct. 22, 2024
Can you confirm which response is correct for if the sequential designations rule applies to Year 1, Year 1, Year 3 ... ? The last response stated that the outdated response would be deleted but it doesn't look like either of them have been deleted. Should we capitalize Year 1, Year 2?
Answer
Yes, Year 1 and Year 2 should be capitalized in keeping with this section of the numerals entry, added a year or so ago:
Sequential designations: Generally use figures, but spell out ordinal numbers ninth and under. Capitalize the first letter for a single designation: Act 3, Exit 2, Game 3, Phase 1, Room 6, Size 12, Stage 3, Category 4, Type 2. Use lowercase for plurals: sizes 6 and 8, exits 4 and 5, acts 1 and 2, verses 2 and 9. It’s Verse 1 but the first verse; Game 4 but the fourth game.
The previous answers should now be deleted; not sure why that didn't happen before, but thank you for asking. In general, if there are discrepancies, go with the most recent response. But I do very much appreciate when people bring these to my attention. Going through item by item and updating everything would be a full-time job.
Sequential designations: Generally use figures, but spell out ordinal numbers ninth and under. Capitalize the first letter for a single designation: Act 3, Exit 2, Game 3, Phase 1, Room 6, Size 12, Stage 3, Category 4, Type 2. Use lowercase for plurals: sizes 6 and 8, exits 4 and 5, acts 1 and 2, verses 2 and 9. It’s Verse 1 but the first verse; Game 4 but the fourth game.
The previous answers should now be deleted; not sure why that didn't happen before, but thank you for asking. In general, if there are discrepancies, go with the most recent response. But I do very much appreciate when people bring these to my attention. Going through item by item and updating everything would be a full-time job.
Question from Washington, District of Columbia, on Sept. 25, 2024
Greetings! Popemobile - capitalized or not? Is this even an accepted term? I'd imagine it comes up at least in quotes. It seems most AP stories have lowercased it. Thanks!
Answer
Yes, lowercase.
Question from on Oct. 18, 2024
Is it correct to write: October 10, at 4:00 pm? Or can the comma be removed?
Answer
The comma can be removed. Our style is Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. (abbreviating the month when used with a specific date, and not using the :00)
months
Capitalize the names of months in all uses. When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate only Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. Spell out when using alone, or with a year alone.
When a phrase lists only a month and a year, do not separate the year with commas. When a phrase refers to a month, day and year, set off the year with commas.
EXAMPLES: January 2016 was a cold month. Jan. 2 was the coldest day of the month. His birthday is May 8. Feb. 14, 2013, was the target date. She testified that it was Friday, Dec. 3, when the crash occurred.
In tabular material, use these three-letter forms without a period: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
times
Use figures except for noon and midnight. Use a colon to separate hours from minutes: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 9-11 a.m., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Avoid such redundancies as 10 a.m. this morning, 10 p.m. tonight or 10 p.m. Monday night. Use 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. Monday, etc., as required by the norms in time element.
The construction 4 o'clock is acceptable, but time listings with a.m. or p.m. are preferred.
Question from Washington, on Jan. 31, 2024
What is the accepted way to reference a decade in AP style? Is it to spell it out (ex. 1960s) or can it be shortened (ex. '60s)?
Answer
Either is fine. The longer form is more formal and the shorter more informal, so use what's appropriate for your piece and your audience.
decades
Use Arabic figures to indicate decades of history. Use an apostrophe to indicate numerals that are left out; show plural by adding the letter s: the 1890s, the '90s, the Gay '90s, the 1920s, the mid-1930s
.
.
Question from Casper, Wyoming, on Sept. 11, 2023
Hello Paula!
I have a question that is driving me crazy. Here is the sentence in question:
The event will begin with a social hour and cash bar, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cavigelli’s presentation will start at 7, followed by a live auction at 7:30.
The director of this event wanted :00 after 7. When I explained that that was not AP Style, she responded with an email that included a photo of her 2017 AP Stylebook and this comment: “My copy doesn’t specify that 7:00 is objectionable. Please list it as either p.m. or :00.”
Help! Which is correct, per AP?
Thank you!
I have a question that is driving me crazy. Here is the sentence in question:
The event will begin with a social hour and cash bar, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cavigelli’s presentation will start at 7, followed by a live auction at 7:30.
The director of this event wanted :00 after 7. When I explained that that was not AP Style, she responded with an email that included a photo of her 2017 AP Stylebook and this comment: “My copy doesn’t specify that 7:00 is objectionable. Please list it as either p.m. or :00.”
Help! Which is correct, per AP?
Thank you!
Answer
There's a line between following AP style to the letter, and doing what's necessary to keep the customer satisfied (within reason).
It's true that we don't say 7:00 is objectionable. But when we say our style is 7 p.m., it's implied that our style is not 7:00 p.m.
The good news: She gave the option of including p.m. and I think that's a reasonable option. In our heart of hearts, we think the p.m. is pretty apparent (the presentation wouldn't start at 7 a.m. following a 6:30 p.m. dinner). But including the p.m. dresses up the stand-alone 7 a bit and wouldn't strike most people as odd.
So how about:
The event will begin with a social hour and cash bar, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cavigelli’s presentation will start at 7 p.m., followed by a live auction at 7:30 p.m.
Or if the organizers are really in love with :00, then go with it. We need flexibility ...
It's true that we don't say 7:00 is objectionable. But when we say our style is 7 p.m., it's implied that our style is not 7:00 p.m.
The good news: She gave the option of including p.m. and I think that's a reasonable option. In our heart of hearts, we think the p.m. is pretty apparent (the presentation wouldn't start at 7 a.m. following a 6:30 p.m. dinner). But including the p.m. dresses up the stand-alone 7 a bit and wouldn't strike most people as odd.
So how about:
The event will begin with a social hour and cash bar, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cavigelli’s presentation will start at 7 p.m., followed by a live auction at 7:30 p.m.
Or if the organizers are really in love with :00, then go with it. We need flexibility ...
Question from KANSAS CITY, Missouri, on April 14, 2023
Would there be a comma after 2021 in this: "between February 1, 2021 and February 22, 2023, the ..."
Thanks.
Thanks.
Answer
Yes, a comma after 2021. Also: In AP style, we abbreviate most months when used with a date. So our style is: between Feb. 1, 2021, and Feb. 22, 2023, the ...
Question from Austin, Texas, on Nov. 15, 2022
I see your entry on time but would like clarification. Which style would be best for this type of sentence: Join us from 9-11 a.m. OR Join us 9-11 a.m.
I typically like to use "from" and "to" when I use one or another. But I also like sticking to your style and using a hyphen. The "from" in the first example seems to make the sentence flow better.
I typically like to use "from" and "to" when I use one or another. But I also like sticking to your style and using a hyphen. The "from" in the first example seems to make the sentence flow better.
Answer
Yes: Join us from 9-11 a.m. But, we also are just fine with no hyphen. See the end of the below section from the times entry. So you easily could write: Join us from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Use figures except for noon and midnight. Use a colon to separate hours from minutes: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 9-11 a.m., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Use figures except for noon and midnight. Use a colon to separate hours from minutes: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 9-11 a.m., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Question from Madison, Wisconsin, on Nov. 18, 2024
I am working on an infographic that uses a fraction. The proposed sentence is 'Over 2/3s of farmers...'
This looks weird to me, but I may be stuck with the fraction in number form. Is the above correct?
Thank you, as always, for your help.
This looks weird to me, but I may be stuck with the fraction in number form. Is the above correct?
Thank you, as always, for your help.
Answer
I can't say if it's correct because we would never write that. Think of the poor reader/viewer. Doesn't it hurt the eyes? Presumably you don't want an infographic to hurt the eyes! I'd argue strongly for a few more characters and writing out two-thirds.
Question from on Nov. 09, 2024
I've seen a few entries on this, but from what I can tell, the five hours would be spelled out for numbers under 10. This refers to an amount of time, but I don't think it references a sequence.
"Another trail near X Park, this hike should take nearly five hours to complete."
Thanks!
"Another trail near X Park, this hike should take nearly five hours to complete."
Thanks!
Answer
Correct. From the numerals entry:
For time measurements (seconds, minutes, days, months, years, etc.), spell out one through nine unless it’s an age. A six-year plan, but a 6-year-old plan. A five-month checkup but a 5-day-old baby.
For time measurements (seconds, minutes, days, months, years, etc.), spell out one through nine unless it’s an age. A six-year plan, but a 6-year-old plan. A five-month checkup but a 5-day-old baby.
Question from my couch, on Oct. 14, 2024
Previous questions about how to handle television seasons — Is "Season 2" capped? Does it use a numeral or word? — haven't gotten definitive answers. Would it be possible to add an entry creating a standard for this?
Answer
First, I like your location. Second, we added a sequential designations section to the numerals entry. Our style is Season 2.
Sequential designations: Generally use figures, but spell out ordinal numbers ninth and under. Capitalize the first letter for a single designation: Act 3, Exit 2, Game 3, Phase 1, Room 6, Size 12, Stage 3, Category 4, Type 2. Use lowercase for plurals: sizes 6 and 8, exits 4 and 5, acts 1 and 2, verses 2 and 9. It’s Verse 1 but the first verse; Game 4 but the fourth game.
Sequential designations: Generally use figures, but spell out ordinal numbers ninth and under. Capitalize the first letter for a single designation: Act 3, Exit 2, Game 3, Phase 1, Room 6, Size 12, Stage 3, Category 4, Type 2. Use lowercase for plurals: sizes 6 and 8, exits 4 and 5, acts 1 and 2, verses 2 and 9. It’s Verse 1 but the first verse; Game 4 but the fourth game.
Question from Annapolis, Maryland, on June 26, 2024
In legal and technical writing, I sometime see numbers spelled out followed by the Arabic numeral in parenthesis, e.g., fifteen (15) units. This seems anachronistic to me. What is the correct usage?
Answer
We don't do that in AP style. Other style guides might call for it in some types of writing. There's no "correct" usage. It's a matter of which style you follow.
Question from New York, New York, on June 25, 2024
Does the numerals in headlines rule apply to ordinals?
"For Tesla's futuristic new Cybertruck, a fourth recall"
"For Tesla's futuristic new Cybertruck, a fourth recall"
Answer
Yes. From the headlines entry:
— Use numerals; do not spell out numbers except in casual uses or formal names: hundreds instead of 100s; Big Ten; one of the first. Spell out ordinals under 10: first, ninth, etc. But: 10th, 23rd, 104th.
— Use numerals; do not spell out numbers except in casual uses or formal names: hundreds instead of 100s; Big Ten; one of the first. Spell out ordinals under 10: first, ninth, etc. But: 10th, 23rd, 104th.
Question from Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov. 14, 2024
Can you help with this predicament with the word 'athletics.' We are crafting a leadership letter where there are multiple references to this word, but, in some instances, it seems natural/better sounding to use singular verbs, but in others, plural verbs sound better. The problem is the inconsistency that it presents. Here are some examples within this one letter:
Plural:
Plural:
- Intercollegiate athletics don’t exist in Europe.
- Athletics are integral to our identity and history, and they are essential to our future.
Singular:
- Athletics provides us with our largest brand advertisement and is among the primary means by which we engage our alumni and donors.
- Athletics is by far the leading source of our brand promotion worldwide.
Is there any guidance you can give us?
Answer
In short: Don't worry about it!
The word athletics, like data and media, can take either a plural or a singular verb depending on how it's used. Use whatever sounds right to your ear in each sentence. I'm betting your readers won't notice the inconsistency because the verb agreement is often inconsistent with this one.
Our primary dictionary, Merriam-Webster, calls it plural in form but singular or plural in construction.
The Britannica Dictionary says the same, in its own words, and gives some examples:
[plural] US : sports, games, and exercises that require strength and skill : athletic activities◊
Athletics is plural in form but is used with both plural and singular verbs.
The word athletics, like data and media, can take either a plural or a singular verb depending on how it's used. Use whatever sounds right to your ear in each sentence. I'm betting your readers won't notice the inconsistency because the verb agreement is often inconsistent with this one.
Our primary dictionary, Merriam-Webster, calls it plural in form but singular or plural in construction.
The Britannica Dictionary says the same, in its own words, and gives some examples:
[plural] US : sports, games, and exercises that require strength and skill : athletic activities◊
Athletics is plural in form but is used with both plural and singular verbs.
- College athletics attract students from a variety of backgrounds.
- The coach believes high school athletics is in need of reform.
Question from Chicago, Illinois, on Nov. 13, 2024
When research and development is used as the subject, it is singular or plural? For example, "Our research and development ensure/ensures fast, state-of the-art systems that...."Thanks.
Answer
It depends on whether you want to view research and development as separate concepts, or one concept (like macaroni and cheese). Either way can be correct. I'd use the singular, since the two terms very often are used and even abbreviated as one.
Question from Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 08, 2024
Hello! I am struggling with the subject-verb agreement of this sentence:
"A wide range of slopes helps make Colorado popular."
Is the singular form of "helps" correct here? Is there any scenario in which the plural would be preferred? Thank you!
"A wide range of slopes helps make Colorado popular."
Is the singular form of "helps" correct here? Is there any scenario in which the plural would be preferred? Thank you!
Answer
I'd go with the singular here. That's the strict grammatical interpretation, with range as the subject. On the other hand, you could look at it from what's often known as a notional agreement perspective: What's the intended meaning, rather than what's the strict rule of grammar? A notional rewrite of that sentence might be something like: Slopes help make Colorado popular, and there is a wide range of them. From that perspective, the plural verb would work. But I think you're better off with the singular in this case. Or, rephrase the sentence to avoid the problem.
Question from Madison, Wisconsin, on Nov. 08, 2024
In the following sentence, should I use "less" or "fewer"?
This award is presented annually to a physician who has completed pediatric infectious diseases fellowship training seven years or less/fewer from the award date.
This award is presented annually to a physician who has completed pediatric infectious diseases fellowship training seven years or less/fewer from the award date.
Answer
This question could cause endless arguments among some grammarians. Technically, since years are countable, you many would say you should use fewer as is generally the case with countable nouns. But. Both I and our friends at Merriam-Webster agree that in this case, less is a better choice.
See this section in particular from the above-linked Merriam-Webster guidance:
Exceptions to the Rule
See this section in particular from the above-linked Merriam-Webster guidance:
Exceptions to the Rule
Despite the rule, less used of things that are countable is standard in many contexts, and in fact is more likely than fewer in a few common constructions, especially ones involving distances (as in "less than three miles"), sums of money (as in "less than twenty dollars"), units of time and weight (as in "less than five years" and "less than ten ounces"), and statistical enumerations (as in "less than 50,000 people")—all things which are often thought of as amounts rather than numbers.
The use of less to modify ordinary plural count nouns (as in "made less mistakes") is pretty rare in writing and is usually better avoided, though it does occur frequently in speech.
But less is actually preferred in phrases like "an essay of 250 words or less." It's also—to the chagrin of some—the preferred choice in the supermarket checkout line's "twelve items or less" sign. (Some grocery stores have apparently been convinced by the chagrin, though, and use "items or fewer." They are still very much in the minority.)
Question from on July 01, 2024
"A group of Republicans in Congress has/have introduced a proposal"?
Does the answer depend on whether the subject of the sentence is "group" or "Republicans" (and in that case which is it)? Or is the answer determined by whichever word is closest to the verb?
Does the answer depend on whether the subject of the sentence is "group" or "Republicans" (and in that case which is it)? Or is the answer determined by whichever word is closest to the verb?
Answer
A group ... has proposed. Yes, the subject is group and that dictates the singular verb.
Question from McDonald, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 12, 2024
According to the "Non-" guidelines, would it be "nonsteady state conditions"?
Answer
See this section of the hyphen entry:
Also use hyphens to avoid nonsensical terms such as nonlife: Make it non-life-threatening, not nonlife-threatening. Often the better choice is to rephrase, even if it means using a few more words.
Also use hyphens to avoid nonsensical terms such as nonlife: Make it non-life-threatening, not nonlife-threatening. Often the better choice is to rephrase, even if it means using a few more words.
Question from Hays, Kansas, on Nov. 13, 2024
Is the use of commas around a non-essential phrase necessary here? It's a caption for a photo of two men and one woman. Bill can have only one wife (which would normally make the name Cathy set off by commas).
"Bill socializes with his future wife Cathy and friend Kelly Howard."
"Bill socializes with his future wife Cathy and friend Kelly Howard."
Answer
That one is a bit challenging. My first thought was that unless Bill is planning to have two future wives at the same time, you need commas:
Bill socializes with his future wife, Cathy, and friend Kelly Howard.
But that could be read as if he were socializing with three people, at least for Oxford comma adherents. His future wife is one. The mysterious Cathy is the second. And friend Kelly Howard is the third.
How about rephrasing: Bill socializes with friend Kelly Howard and his future wife, Cathy.
Not ideal, but probably the best option.
Bill socializes with his future wife, Cathy, and friend Kelly Howard.
But that could be read as if he were socializing with three people, at least for Oxford comma adherents. His future wife is one. The mysterious Cathy is the second. And friend Kelly Howard is the third.
How about rephrasing: Bill socializes with friend Kelly Howard and his future wife, Cathy.
Not ideal, but probably the best option.
Question from Phoenix, Arizona, on Nov. 05, 2024
I am having difficult understanding the prefix entry regarding hyphens with the prefix "multi" ...
Would it be multiyear or multi-year? Multijurisdictional? Multidisciplinary?
Would it be multiyear or multi-year? Multijurisdictional? Multidisciplinary?
Answer
Multi- is included in the list of prefixes that generally take no hyphen. Thus, no hyphen in all of your examples. Here is the start of that list:
Three rules are constant:
Three rules are constant:
- Use a hyphen if the prefix ends in a vowel and the word that follows begins with the same vowel. Exceptions: cooperate, coordinate, and double-e combinations such as preestablish, preeminent, reenact, reelect.
- Use a hyphen if the word that follows is capitalized: un-American, for example.
- Use a hyphen to join doubled prefixes: sub-subparagraph.
Here is the style for some commonly used prefixes. (Measurement-related prefixes such as centi- and milli- are listed individually in the book.)
In general, no hyphen with these prefixes except as noted in the above three rules:
(and multi- is in the list that follows)
(and multi- is in the list that follows)
Question from Williamstown, Massachusetts, on Nov. 05, 2024
Is the term "not-for-profit" hyphenated in cases where it doesn't precede the noun?
Which is correct?
The school is proudly not for profit.
The school is proudly not-for-profit.
Which is correct?
The school is proudly not for profit.
The school is proudly not-for-profit.
Answer
That's a stylistic choice; there's no absolute right or wrong. I wouldn't use a hyphen when that term doesn't precede the noun. That follows this general guidance in the hyphen entry:
Many combinations that are hyphenated before a noun are not hyphenated when they occur after a noun: She works full time. She is well aware of the consequences. The children are soft spoken. The play is second rate. The calendar is up to date. (Guidance changed in 2019 to remove the rule that said to hyphenate following a form of the verb to be.)
Many combinations that are hyphenated before a noun are not hyphenated when they occur after a noun: She works full time. She is well aware of the consequences. The children are soft spoken. The play is second rate. The calendar is up to date. (Guidance changed in 2019 to remove the rule that said to hyphenate following a form of the verb to be.)
Question from Sarnia, ON, on Oct. 28, 2024
Regarding conjunctions at the beginning of sentences ... comma or no comma?
Examples:
But, that was not his trade.
Or, would you rather I shovel the snow?
And, you'll get a discount if you order now.
Should these sentences have commas after the conjunction or not?
Thank you, Editor!
Examples:
But, that was not his trade.
Or, would you rather I shovel the snow?
And, you'll get a discount if you order now.
Should these sentences have commas after the conjunction or not?
Thank you, Editor!
Answer
Adding a comma provides a bit more emphasis. Think of it as if you were saying the sentences out loud. Would you pause after the conjunction or not? Either can be correct. I think without the comma is more common, but that's just my instinct. The second sentence makes me think of a parent speaking to a wayward child:
Would you like to be nice to your sister? Or, would you rather do extra tasks for the next week?
Would you like to be nice to your sister? Or, would you rather do extra tasks for the next week?
Question from Reading, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 21, 2024
Is there a plural form for RSVP and would it be RSVP's or RSVPs? I've seen both uses but Merriam-Webster doesn't provide an example of the plural tense.
Answer
RSVPs, following this guidance in the plurals entry:
MULTIPLE LETTERS: Add s: She knows her ABCs. I gave him five IOUs. Four VIPs were there.
MULTIPLE LETTERS: Add s: She knows her ABCs. I gave him five IOUs. Four VIPs were there.
Question from California, on June 26, 2024
This entry suggests the use of an apostrophe for "how-to's":
https://apstylebook.com/ask_the_editors/40160?sconvid=15849
But it seems that Merriam Webster omits the apostrophe ("how-tos"):
https://apstylebook.com/merriam_webster/merriam-webster-h-how-to-2?sconvid=15849
Can you please clarify?
https://apstylebook.com/ask_the_editors/40160?sconvid=15849
But it seems that Merriam Webster omits the apostrophe ("how-tos"):
https://apstylebook.com/merriam_webster/merriam-webster-h-how-to-2?sconvid=15849
Can you please clarify?
Answer
We have one style; Merriam-Webster has another. Either can be correct. Choose the one you prefer. (We are generally, but not always, in synch with our primary dictionary. That's always been the case.)
Question from Corvallis, Oregon, on July 19, 2022
The official stylebook entry for FAQ says just that — FAQ. That entry was created in 2002. But an Ask the Editor response from 2020 says FAQs. Which is correct? Thanks in advance.
Answer
It's FAQ for one set of questions/answers: Please read the FAQ on track racing. If you have separate FAQs on different topics, it's FAQs: Please read the FAQs on track racing and mountain bike racing.
Question from Longmont, Colorado, on April 08, 2022
How should I pluralize PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substance)?
Answer
Question from Tampa, Florida, on Dec. 05, 2024
Hello!
Our team is having a couple of disagreements about hyphens and hoped you could help. (Rewrites likely wouldn't be accepted.)
The first is anti/anti- in these two examples: antimoney laundering and antifossil fuel.
The term reexporter also had us questioning whether to use a hyphen.
As always, thanks so much!
Our team is having a couple of disagreements about hyphens and hoped you could help. (Rewrites likely wouldn't be accepted.)
The first is anti/anti- in these two examples: antimoney laundering and antifossil fuel.
The term reexporter also had us questioning whether to use a hyphen.
As always, thanks so much!
Answer
This is one of the (many) times when we're best served by considering what is easiest for readers to understand.
The best solution would be to rewrite those clumsy phrases. If the phrases, or the construction of them, is confusing to you ... just think about how the poor reader must feel!
But. If you can't rewrite, I'd use the hyphen in each of those anti- examples. It could lend a bit of clarity. Still it raises the question: What is antimoney or anti-money? What is antifossil or antil-fossil? Hurts both my eyes and my head.
On reexporter: Our style generally is no hyphen in double-e terms such as this. And Merriam-Webster agrees. I will confess to finding this one hard on the eyes, too. You have my permission to use a hyphen if you prefer ...
Here's the anti- section of the prefixes entry:
anti- Generally no hyphen is a 2024 change for consistency. But note a number of exceptions. They include: anti-abortion, anti-aggression, anti-apartheid, anti-collision, anti-corruption, anti-cruelty, anti-labor, anti-racist, anti-racketeering, anti-secrecy, anti-terrorism, anti-war.
The best solution would be to rewrite those clumsy phrases. If the phrases, or the construction of them, is confusing to you ... just think about how the poor reader must feel!
But. If you can't rewrite, I'd use the hyphen in each of those anti- examples. It could lend a bit of clarity. Still it raises the question: What is antimoney or anti-money? What is antifossil or antil-fossil? Hurts both my eyes and my head.
On reexporter: Our style generally is no hyphen in double-e terms such as this. And Merriam-Webster agrees. I will confess to finding this one hard on the eyes, too. You have my permission to use a hyphen if you prefer ...
Here's the anti- section of the prefixes entry:
anti- Generally no hyphen is a 2024 change for consistency. But note a number of exceptions. They include: anti-abortion, anti-aggression, anti-apartheid, anti-collision, anti-corruption, anti-cruelty, anti-labor, anti-racist, anti-racketeering, anti-secrecy, anti-terrorism, anti-war.
Question from San Miguel, California, on Nov. 22, 2024
Is it GivingTuesday or Giving Tuesday? The main site (https://www.givingtuesday.org/) does not use a space but there's no consistency across the internet.
Answer
GivingTuesday, as we say in our philanthropy entry.
GivingTuesday The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, when individuals are encouraged to make donations to nonprofits. No space between the two words. The group that handles the administration of the day is also known as GivingTuesday, born from a social media campaign known as #GivingTuesday in 2012.
GivingTuesday The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, when individuals are encouraged to make donations to nonprofits. No space between the two words. The group that handles the administration of the day is also known as GivingTuesday, born from a social media campaign known as #GivingTuesday in 2012.
Question from Pawcatuck, Connecticut, on Oct. 22, 2024
Hello! I would appreciate clarification the AP Stylebooks stance on "childcare" versus "child care." An older entry in the Stylebook says it should always been two words, but Merriam Webster says it is one word. Any updated guidance?
Answer
We don't always agree 100% with our primary dictionary. In this case, our style is two words. Merriam-Webster uses one word. Either can be correct; they're just different styles. Up to you which you want to use.
Question from on Oct. 03, 2024
If AP is sticking with timeline as one word, contrary to the dictionary entry as two words, it would be helpful if you added a specific entry in the style section for timeline.
Answer
Happy news: Merriam-Webster is changing to one word for timeline. That update should appear in the near future.
Question from United States, on Oct. 02, 2024
Is it half time, halftime or half-time when referencing a student or employment and not a sports-related term?
Answer
It's half-time outside sports contexts. Here's the relevant section of the prefixes entry:
half- Hyphenated combinations include half-baked, half-life, half-truth, half-moon, half-cocked, half-hearted (the latter a 2024 change). Two-word combinations without a hyphen include half dozen, half brother, half off. One word, no hyphen, for some words including halfback, halftone.
half- Hyphenated combinations include half-baked, half-life, half-truth, half-moon, half-cocked, half-hearted (the latter a 2024 change). Two-word combinations without a hyphen include half dozen, half brother, half off. One word, no hyphen, for some words including halfback, halftone.
Also: halftime as a noun, in keeping with widespread practice in sports copy. But half-time as an adjective outside sports contexts.
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