Ask the Editor
Last Seven DaysQuestion from Boston, MA on Nov. 16, 2018
On a company website in the leadership biography section, would you advise keeping to AP Style standards and put titles/departments in lowercase? Or, if the CEO prefers to have it capitalized, can we go with our own style?
Answer
You might point out to the CEO what AP style is. Then if the CEO still prefers the more-capitalization approach, I'd say you're best off to go with that preferred approach (as long as it's not weirdly Capitalized). It's common for companies to have a house style that differs from AP style in some regards. Just be sure to stay consistent with your own style once you've established it.
Question from Chicago, IL on Nov. 16, 2018
Following the revised guidelines on possessives for common nouns ending in "s," the possessive form is fetus's, right?
Answer
That's correct.
Question from Schofield, WI on Nov. 16, 2018
Not sure if hyphenation is needed in this situation. "Model ABD-GM is an automatic balancing damper with a flanged grille-mounting box. Does it need a hyphen?
Answer
Yes, it's best to hyphenate that for clarity.
Question from Chelmsford, MA on Nov. 16, 2018
For a subheader - I would use the first option, but others do not like it that way. What would you suggest?
Highest-quality Products
Highest-Quality Products
Highest Quality Products
Highest-quality Products
Highest-Quality Products
Highest Quality Products
Answer
You definitely need the hyphen. I prefer the second option.
Question from Washington, DC on Nov. 16, 2018
I'm following up on a question I submitted about pull quotes (pasted below). You answered that doing a text paraphrase without quotation marks would be an option. But I thought if we used the author's own words and not a quotation from a source in the story, a pull quote wouldn't have quotation marks. So when using the author's words as a pull quote (which wouldn't have quotation marks), is it acceptable to paraphrase? Thanks for your help!
Original question:
When using narrative text rather than a quotation from a source as a pull quote, what type of changes are acceptable? For example, could we replace a vague "it" with the specific noun even if "it" was used in the body text?
Original question:
When using narrative text rather than a quotation from a source as a pull quote, what type of changes are acceptable? For example, could we replace a vague "it" with the specific noun even if "it" was used in the body text?
from Washington, DC on Nov. 15, 2018
See our guidance for quoting written words, which includes texts:
When quoting written words, retain the style used by the writer; do not alter the written words even if they don't match AP style.
When quoting written words, retain the style used by the writer; do not alter the written words even if they don't match AP style.
Use quotations only if they are the best way to tell the story or convey meaning. Often, paraphrasing is preferable.
In your situation, we say don't change it to a specific word if the original text used it. You might consider doing a text paraphrase, without quote marks.
In your situation, we say don't change it to a specific word if the original text used it. You might consider doing a text paraphrase, without quote marks.
Answer
AP doesn't have a style for pull quotes; you would set your own for that. In general, if it's an actual quotation, we would always use quote marks. And in any kind of a quotation, we wouldn't paraphrase. You might also simply look for a pull quote option that's clear as written and doesn't present these problems!
Question from Milford, MA on Nov. 16, 2018
Question about numbers. I know you're supposed to spell out numbers under 10. But what about this case:
"It will be shipped in 1 to 3 business days"
Also, would it be more correct to say: "It will be shipped between 1 and 3 business days"
Thank you!
"It will be shipped in 1 to 3 business days"
Also, would it be more correct to say: "It will be shipped between 1 and 3 business days"
Thank you!
Answer
It will be shipped in one to three business days. No need to add between and and; it's understood.
Question from Washington, DC on Nov. 15, 2018
When using narrative text rather than a quotation from a source as a pull quote, what type of changes are acceptable? For example, could we replace a vague "it" with the specific noun even if "it" was used in the body text?
Answer
See our guidance for quoting written words, which includes texts:
When quoting written words, retain the style used by the writer; do not alter the written words even if they don't match AP style.
When quoting written words, retain the style used by the writer; do not alter the written words even if they don't match AP style.
Use quotations only if they are the best way to tell the story or convey meaning. Often, paraphrasing is preferable.
In your situation, we say don't change it to a specific word if the original text used it. You might consider doing a text paraphrase, without quote marks.
In your situation, we say don't change it to a specific word if the original text used it. You might consider doing a text paraphrase, without quote marks.
Answer
A name from the past!
Here's the relevant section of the comma entry, with boldface added (and see my note below):
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's the relevant section of the comma entry, with boldface added (and see my note below):
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.
So, as a rule of thumb, you don't need the comma in this case. Nonetheless, I would use the comma to help the sentence rhythm and break up two fairly long clauses. As you note, it helps with clarity.
So, as a rule of thumb, you don't need the comma in this case. Nonetheless, I would use the comma to help the sentence rhythm and break up two fairly long clauses. As you note, it helps with clarity.
Question from Phoenix, AZ on Nov. 15, 2018
How would you punctuate the name of this Disneyland attraction: Main Street, U.S.A. (the park's punctuation), or Main Street, USA (adherence to AP style)?
Answer
Use the park's punctuation.
Question from Washington, DC on Nov. 15, 2018
If a sentence from body text has an abbreviation and we’re using it as a pull quote, can we spell the abbreviation out in the pull quote to give the reader context? Or should we use parentheses to show that the spelled-out word isn't in the original? For example, would “AD is difficult to diagnose” in body text and “(Alzheimer’s disease) is difficult to diagnose” in the pull quote be correct?
Answer
I'd suggest simply not using that as your pull quote, since it's clunky any way you do it. Also, it's a boring quote, so why highlight it?
Maybe not use it as a quote, and instead paraphrase: Alzheimer's disease: hard to diagnose.
Maybe not use it as a quote, and instead paraphrase: Alzheimer's disease: hard to diagnose.
Question from Norfolk, VA on Nov. 15, 2018
In what instance is it appropriate to write the word utilize instead of use?
Answer
From our perspective, use is always better than utilize. It's shorter, more conversational and means the same thing.
Answer
No. Lowercase the word company when it stands alone.
Question from Chicago, IL on Nov. 14, 2018
With so much attention on opportunity zones now, I need a little help. When speaking about the program, would it be the Opportunity Zone Program that involves Qualified Opportunity Zones? Lowercase it all? Or somewhere in between?
Answer
We use "opportunity zones," lowercase with quote marks and a brief definition. On subsequent references, opportunity zones or simply zones, no quote marks. Also: The "opportunity zones" program on first reference. Assuming the first reference has already been made, you could refer to qualified opportunity zones on later references.
Question from Bethesda, MD on Nov. 14, 2018
Dear Editor,
What do you suggest for how to list a PsyD after a name? We're listing our board members' academic degrees when they have an M.D., a Ph.D. or J.D. I cannot find guidance for how to list a PsyD. Thanks for your help!
What do you suggest for how to list a PsyD after a name? We're listing our board members' academic degrees when they have an M.D., a Ph.D. or J.D. I cannot find guidance for how to list a PsyD. Thanks for your help!
Answer
We don't have a style specifically. I'd think Psy.D. would be logical, following the form for our established Ph.D.
Question from Pittsfield, MA on Nov. 14, 2018
I am STILL confused about onboard vs. on board. Is it correctly written in the following sentence?
Scientists are currently working to obtain the highest possible efficiency of solar panels onboard the UAV.
Thanks!
Scientists are currently working to obtain the highest possible efficiency of solar panels onboard the UAV.
Thanks!
Answer
One word in that usage. Or how about simply on the UAV?
Question from New Philadelphia, OH on Nov. 14, 2018
Should the numbers in the following be spelled out or not?, "For example, the average price of replacing even a single employee can cost an employer, on average, one to one and a half times the employee’s annual salary." Should it be 1 to 1 1/2 times?
Answer
This is another case in which rules may need to be broken, and broken in a way that's not consistent with past rule-breakings. I'm sure this will cause some angst among Ask the Editor readers, and I'd happy to hear other views.
First, see this recent Q&A:
Q: Which is correct - five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms or 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms?
First, see this recent Q&A:
Q: Which is correct - five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms or 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms?
A: Technically, in AP style, it's five bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms. Obviously, that looks odd to readers who don't know AP style. Sometimes rules need to be broken for the sake of common sense. I'd use 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 bathrooms in this case.
That might indicate that for your question, I'd recommend 1 to 1 1/2 times. And I was about to do just that. Until I looked at it again, and my eyes crossed.
There's something about all those 1's in such close proximity, coupled with the slash, that makes this particular combination very hard to read. I always try to put the readers' needs first, even if it may be counter to style or inconsistent with what we do in some other cases.
So, for your case, I'd go with .... one to one-and-a-half times the employee's annual salary ... for ease of reading. (Note the hyphens in one-and-a-half.)
If others see it differently, please weigh in.
That might indicate that for your question, I'd recommend 1 to 1 1/2 times. And I was about to do just that. Until I looked at it again, and my eyes crossed.
There's something about all those 1's in such close proximity, coupled with the slash, that makes this particular combination very hard to read. I always try to put the readers' needs first, even if it may be counter to style or inconsistent with what we do in some other cases.
So, for your case, I'd go with .... one to one-and-a-half times the employee's annual salary ... for ease of reading. (Note the hyphens in one-and-a-half.)
If others see it differently, please weigh in.
Question from Boston, MA on Nov. 14, 2018
Can spring clean be used as a verb, and if so, does it take a hyphen? E.g. in a headline: Spring-Clean Your Kitchen
Answer
Some references allow its use as a verb, with a hyphen. We'd prefer to avoid it in most cases, but it could work in a very short headline such as yours.
Answer
Here's the entry, with the relevant section in boldface for emphasis in answering this question. In short: ex-French president.
ex-
Use no hyphen for words that use ex- in the sense of out of:
excommunicate | expropriate
Hyphenate when using ex- in the sense of former:
ex-convict | ex-president
Do not capitalize ex- when attached to a formal title before a name: ex-President Richard Nixon. The prefix modifies the entire term: ex-New York Gov. Mario Cuomo; not New York ex-Gov.
Usually former is better.
Answer
Yes, our guidance holds in that case. We also wouldn't use (sic). We would ask: Is the quote truly essential, or could you simply paraphrase it in a grammatically correct way? As always, of course, you could choose to not follow our guidance in cases where you feel that's the right course of action.
Question from Chicago, IL on Nov. 13, 2018
Your "degree-day" entry is hyphenated, but not in the description. Can you clarify the usage of this term? I see "heating degree day"; "heating-degree day"; "heating degree-day" -- where's this hyphen go?
Answer
Thanks for catching that. We will fix it today. Degree-day should be hyphenated in the text: Positive values are cooling degree-days and negative values are heating degree-days.
Question from WAKE FOREST, NC on Nov. 13, 2018
"Prior to questioning, Smith was informed of the purpose of the interview and acknowledged and signed a required appearance memorandum, a non-disclosure agreement and a statement of rights and obligations." Shouldn't there be a comma after "interview?' What is the rule on this?
Answer
No comma after interview, per the section of the comma entry that I've boldfaced for emphasis:
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.
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.
There should be a comma after agreement, per this section (the rights and obligations part triggers the rule):
Put a comma before the concluding conjunction in a series if an integral element of the series requires a conjunction: I had orange juice, toast, and ham and eggs for breakfast.
There should be a comma after agreement, per this section (the rights and obligations part triggers the rule):
Put a comma before the concluding conjunction in a series if an integral element of the series requires a conjunction: I had orange juice, toast, and ham and eggs for breakfast.
Question from Lenexa, KS on Nov. 13, 2018
In the phrase, "Wishing you the happiest new year." Would you capitalize "New Year"?
Answer
Not capitalized in that usage. See this entry:
happy holidays, merry Christmas, season's greetings, happy birthday, happy new year
Lowercase except in exclamations (Christmas is always capitalized): Have a happy new year, wishing you a merry Christmas, sending season's greetings your way. In exclamations: Happy holidays! Merry Christmas! Season's greetings! Happy New Year! (New Year is uppercase in this use for the Jan. 1 holiday.) Happy birthday! See New Year's, New Year's Day, New Year's Eve, Happy New Year.
Question from Bowling Green, KY on Nov. 13, 2018
Are all prepositions capitalized in a heading or title, or just those of a certain length? For example: "Taming Your Substance Abuse Habit" or "Taming your Substance Abuse Habit"? Another example: "Climbing My Way to the Top" or "Climbing my Way to the Top"?
Answer
From the composition titles entry:
—Capitalize the principal words, including prepositions and conjunctions of four or more letters.
—Capitalize the principal words, including prepositions and conjunctions of four or more letters.
—Capitalize an article — the, a, an — or words of fewer than four letters if it is the first or last word in a title.
Both my and your should be capitalized.
Both my and your should be capitalized.
Question from New York, NY on Nov. 13, 2018
When I search the term "headlines" on here, is it an error that the entry for "headlines" from the AP Stylebook doesn't appear?
Answer
We've temporarily removed the headlines entry because it needs to be updated. Ask a question and I will answer it! Sorry for the inconvenience.
Question from Lakeland, FL on Nov. 13, 2018
I don't see an entry for undervote, and it's not even in some major dictionaries. It's a fairly common term, though, so I assume it would follow the "one word" guidance for most "under" words. Would quotes also be needed around the word, or is it OK without special treatment of some sort?
Answer
Make it one word, put quote marks around it, and give a brief definition on first reference. It's OK without quote marks on subsequent references.
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