AP Style Guide

In AP Style, the word “percent” is always spelled out, and figures are used with it, rather than the “%” symbol. This rule ensures clarity and consistency, especially in formal and news-oriented writing.

Percent is parts per hundred. It is a Latin word which means ‘per hundred’.

What AP Style Percent Suggests?

According to AP Style, you should not use the symbol (%) for percent. It is necessary to spell out the whole word and use figures with it.

For example,

• 20 percent of the students were absent yesterday.

• Do you want me to give you 30 percent of my shares?

> If there is more than one figure in a sentence then, you should repeat the word ‘percent’.

For example,

• He ordered the workers to give him 5 percent to 25 percent of their savings.

Note: You should precede the decimal with a zero, if the amount is less than 1 percent. For example,

• Wages and salaries increased 0.5 percent, benefits 0.4 percent. (Salt Lake Tribune)

Why AP Style Prefers “Percent” Over “%”

AP Style requires spelling out “percent” instead of using the symbol (%) to ensure consistency and readability across various types of media. Unlike the symbol, the word “percent” is universally clear and eliminates any ambiguity in formal or journalistic writing.

For instance, rather than writing “40% of participants agreed,” AP Style prefers “40 percent of participants agreed.”

How to Handle Decimals in AP Style Percentages

When using decimals with percentages in AP Style, precede amounts less than 1 with a zero. This small detail enhances readability and avoids confusion.

For example, “The interest rate increased by 0.7 percent” is preferred over “The interest rate increased by .7 percent.” Decimals should always be written with figures for clarity, regardless of their size, as in “Inflation rose by 2.3 percent.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Percentages in AP Style

Some common mistakes include using the “%” symbol instead of spelling out “percent,” failing to repeat “percent” with multiple figures in a range, and omitting the zero before a decimal.

For instance:

• Incorrect: “5% to 15%” or “5-15 percent”
• Correct: “5 percent to 15 percent” Additionally, avoid starting sentences with figures; instead, rephrase for clarity, such as “Twenty percent of voters…” rather than “20 percent of voters…”

Additional AP Style Tips for Writing Numbers and Symbols

In AP Style, use figures for all percentages and most measurements, even below 10. For example, write “5 percent” instead of “five percent.”

Avoid symbols like “&” for “and,” and always use “cents” instead of “¢.” In general, AP Style minimizes symbol use, except in specific contexts, to maintain readability.

Check Out: How Do We Write Numbers In AP Style?

What Did You Learn?

By spelling out “percent,” correctly handling decimals, and avoiding common mistakes, you enhance the readability and professionalism of your content.

Additionally, following AP Style for numbers and symbols, like avoiding the “%” sign, contributes to a polished, news-ready presentation.

With these insights, you’re better equipped to use percentages accurately, creating content that aligns with the standards expected in journalism and formal writing.

In AP Style, the word “accused” should be used with the preposition “of” rather than “with” when referring to someone charged with a crime. This ensures accuracy and clarity in legal and journalistic writing.

The word accused is used to refer a group of people or a person who is on trial for a crime.

The reason that I am coming up with this word is that most of the people use the word ‘accused’, for the people who are on trial, in a wrong way. There is a guideline that you can follow if you want your writing to be error-free.

According to AP Style, you have to write ‘accused of’ instead of ‘accused with’. A person is accused of a crime, not with a crime.

Accused of = Correct

Accused with = Wrong

For example,

1. He is accused of doing something wrong that is not acceptable at any cost.

2. The police arrested him because he was accused of the murder of an innocent boy.

Furthermore, you cannot write for a person as an ‘accused slayer’. The correct phrase would be ‘accused of the slaying’.

For example,

• Accused slayer Smith Johnson. (Wrong)

• Smith Johnson, who was accused of slaying… (Correct)

Common Mistakes with the Term “Accused”

In AP Style, using the word “accused” correctly is essential to maintaining clarity and accuracy, especially in legal contexts. Here are some common mistakes writers make when using the term “accused” and how to avoid them:

Using the Incorrect Preposition (“Accused with” vs. “Accused of”)

One of the most common mistakes is using the preposition “with” instead of “of.” In AP style, you should always use “accused of” when referring to the crime or offense a person is charged with.

Example of Incorrect Usage: He was accused with stealing the car.
Correct Usage: He was accused of stealing the car.

Misusing the Term “Accused” as a Noun

It’s also incorrect to use “accused” as a noun to describe a person charged with a crime, without further clarification. Instead, use a phrase like “the person accused of [crime]” to avoid confusion.

Example of Incorrect Usage: The accused is being held without bail.
Correct Usage:The person accused of the crime is being held without bail.

Using “Accused” for Someone Not Officially Charged

The term “accused” should only be used for someone who has been officially charged or alleged to have committed a crime. It is not appropriate to refer to someone as “accused” before any formal legal process has begun.

Example of Incorrect Usage:The suspect, who was merely questioned by police, was already considered the accused.
Correct Usage: The suspect, who was merely questioned by police, has not yet been formally accused of a crime.

Incorrectly Labeling a Person as “Accused of a Crime” Without Clarifying the Charge

Sometimes writers omit crucial information when referencing someone “accused” of a crime. It’s important to specify the exact crime they are accused of for clarity.

Example of Incorrect Usage: He is the accused.
Correct Usage: He is the person accused of embezzling company funds.

What Did You Learn?

Key points included the importance of using the correct preposition, “accused of” (not “accused with”), avoiding the term “accused” as a standalone noun without clarification, ensuring that a person is officially charged before referring to them as “accused,” and always specifying the crime when using the term.

In AP Style, “African American” is used to refer to Black American individuals, and it should always be capitalized. The term “Black” can also be used to refer to African Americans in general, while both terms are widely accepted in journalistic writing.

Writing African American in AP Style

African-American is used to refer a black American person. You can also use the word ‘black’ to refer an African-American or Black-American.

For example,

• There should be equal political conditions for African Americans and White Americans.
• In 1921, Coleman became the first African American woman to be awarded an international pilot licence. (The Independent)

Note: Don’t forget to capitalize African American.

When to Use “African American” vs. “Black” in AP Style

In AP Style, both “African American” and “Black” are acceptable, but they should be used in different contexts. “African American” refers specifically to Americans of African descent and is commonly used when emphasizing the cultural, social, or historical identity tied to the United States.

On the other hand, “Black” is a broader term that can refer to people of African descent from anywhere in the world, not just the U.S. “Black” can also be used as an adjective to describe cultural movements or communities, such as in “Black culture” or “Black community.”

In cases where ethnicity or cultural identity isn’t relevant, “Black” is generally preferred.

Alternative Terms and When to Use Them

In addition to “African American” and “Black,” there are other terms that may be used in specific contexts, though they are less common.

“Afro-American” was once widely used, particularly in the mid-20th century, but it is now largely considered outdated and is generally avoided in favor of “African American.”

“Black American” is another alternative, though “African American” is more prevalent in journalistic writing. In cases where a person’s nationality or specific ethnic background is relevant, such as in a conversation about Caribbean or African diaspora groups, it’s better to use more specific terms like “Jamaican American” or “Nigerian American.”

Check Out: How To Write United States in AP Style?

How to Handle References to Race and Ethnicity in AP Style

AP Style encourages neutrality and sensitivity when referring to race and ethnicity. It is important to avoid using unnecessary identifiers unless they are essential to the story.

When mentioning race, use it only when it is relevant to the context, such as a discussion on racial discrimination or cultural events. Always capitalize “Black” and “African American” when referring to people.

Avoid generalizations or assumptions about individuals based on race, and be sure that your language is inclusive and respectful. If unsure, it’s always best to ask individuals how they prefer to be described. Especially in the case of mixed-race identities or less commonly known ethnic groups.

What Did You Learn?

Understanding the correct usage of terms like “African American” and “Black” in AP Style is crucial. Both terms are acceptable, but they should be used in the proper context to reflect cultural identity or geographic distinction.

In AP Style, addresses must be written with specific rules regarding abbreviations and capitalization. Common street abbreviations like Ave., Blvd., and St. are used only when numbers are included in the address; otherwise, full names should be used.

Use of Abbreviations

Ave., Blvd., and St. are some common address abbreviations. You can only use these address abbreviations with numbered addresses or when there is a number in your address. For example,

• Address: 1200 California Ave.

However, when there is no reference of number in your address, it is necessary to write full name (Avenue) by capitalizing it. For example,

• Address: California Avenue.

Furthermore, if you are coming across with more than one street name or when avenue is used alone in your text, then you should write the full name without capitalizing it. For example,

• You can find out the bank branches on California and Warner avenues.

The words like alley, drive, circle, road, etc., are always used with their full names. If you are using any of these words with a formal name without any number, you should capitalize it. Otherwise, if it is used alone or with more than one names, then it is necessary to lowercase it. For example,

• Go to Florida Road.

• Bank branches are located on Breton and Florida roads.

Note: Use figures in your addresses. For instance,

1200 California Ave. (Correct)

Twelve hundred California Ave. (Wrong)

Rule to Write Numbered Streets

If you are giving reference a number with street names, then you should capitalize and write full spellings from ‘First’ to ‘Ninth’. Otherwise, you have to use two-letter figures (i.e. 29th, 22nd, etc.)

For example,

• Go to Second St.

• Go to 12th St.

If you are writing an address mentioning compass points with a number, then you can abbreviate that compass point. However, if there will be no number, then no need to abbreviate a compass point.

For example,

• Address: 1200 E. California Ave.

• Address: East California Avenue.

Check Out: How Do We Write Numbers In AP Style?

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Addresses

When writing addresses in AP style, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some examples of how to avoid them:

Incorrect Use of Abbreviations

One common mistake is to use abbreviations in addresses when they shouldn’t be. For example, “1200 California Avenue” is incorrect if you don’t use a number. In this case, “Avenue” should be written in full, as there is no number. If it were “1200 California Ave.”, the abbreviation is correct.

Correct: 1200 California Ave.
Incorrect: 1200 California Avenue (when no number is used).

Capitalization Mistakes

Another mistake is improperly capitalizing street names. Words like “road,” “street,” “avenue” should be capitalized only if they are part of the formal name and there is a number in the address. Otherwise, they should be written in lowercase. For example:

Correct: Go to Main and First streets.
Incorrect: Go to Main and First Streets.

Using Numbers for Streets Beyond Ninth

The AP style has specific rules for writing numbered streets. You should write “First” through “Ninth” as words, and then use figures for “Tenth” and beyond. For example, “First St.” is correct, but “Tenth St.” should be written as “10th St.”

Correct: I live on First St.
Incorrect: I live on Tenth Street (should be 10th St.).

Confusing Compass Points

Don’t abbreviate compass points unless there’s a number in the address. For example, “1200 W. Main St.” is correct, but “West Main St.” should be written out without the abbreviation because no number is involved.

Correct: 1200 W. Main St.
Incorrect: West Main St. (without a number).

What Did You Learn?

We learned that abbreviations like “Ave.” and “St.” should only be used with numbered addresses, while full names like “Avenue” and “Street” should be written out when no number is included.

According to AP Style, you don’t have to write your exact age in figures everywhere. There are some specific areas in which you can mention your age. For example, you can mention your age in figures in your profiles, forms such as admission or application forms, eulogy, etc.

However, if someone says that ‘I can’t work much, I am too old’ or ‘a veteran of two world wars’, then there is no need to mention the exact age. The person’s age is relevant in this manner.

AP Style Ages – Use Figures

If you want to refer your age at any place, you should use figures instead of spell it out. For example,

1. My mother has a 20-years-old chinese bowl.

2. My sister is 23 years old.

3. They both are now 10 years old.

Note: In the first example, I used hyphens for chinese bowl’s age because it is expressed as adjective and used before noun.

Important Point to Remember

If you say,

‘I am in my 20s.’

Then, you should remember that there is no need to use apostrophe between ‘20’ ans ‘s’.

For example,

• She was so beautiful and energetic in her 30s.

Formatting Age Ranges in AP Style

In AP Style, when you write age ranges, you need to be clear and consistent. To express a range of ages, use the word “to” between the two numbers. For example:

• Correct: The camp is for children ages 5 to 10.
• Correct: The ages of the players ranged from 15 to 18.
  You should avoid using a hyphen or dash in age ranges unless you are discussing a compound adjective. So, don’t write “ages 5-10” or “ages 15-18” in this context. The word “to” is preferred for readability and clarity.

When writing out ages in ranges, be sure to avoid unnecessary repetition. For instance:

• Correct: The class includes students ages 20 to 30.
• Incorrect: The class includes students ages from 20 to 30 years old.
  This redundant phrasing can clutter your writing, so just use “ages” or “from” appropriately.

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Ages in AP Style

There are some common mistakes to be aware of when writing ages in AP Style. One of the most frequent errors involves the incorrect use of apostrophes with age expressions. In AP Style, you do not use an apostrophe when referring to ages in the plural form. For example:

• Correct: She is in her 20s.
• Incorrect: She is in her 20’s.
  The apostrophe is only used for possessive forms, so “20’s” is incorrect when you are talking about the span of years.

Another common mistake occurs when age is used as a compound adjective. When you combine age with a noun, use hyphens to form the compound adjective:

• Correct: The 5-year-old girl is on the team.
• Incorrect: The 5 year old girl is on the team.
  Here, the hyphens help clarify that the age is describing the noun (“girl”).

Additionally, be mindful when referencing approximate ages. Instead of using a vague “around 20,” opt for a more direct and specific age range when possible. This helps readers to better understand the context:

• Correct: He is in his late 20s.
• Incorrect: He is around 20 years old.

Age Expressions in Headlines

In headlines or lead sentences, brevity is key, and ages should be expressed in the simplest form. Here’s how to write ages concisely in these cases:

• Correct: “15-Year-Old Wins Science Award”
• Correct: “20-Year-Old Runner Sets Record”

In these examples, the hyphen is used to form a compound adjective, which helps streamline the headline and makes it easier to read. When writing about age in headlines, it’s important to avoid unnecessary words or embellishments. For example, avoid writing:

• Incorrect: “The 20-year-old student from the high school”
  Instead, use:
• Correct: “The 20-year-old student”
  Keep it short and direct, focusing on the key information that matters most to the reader.

When writing about a range of ages in a headline, follow the same principle of clarity and conciseness:

• Correct: “Festival Welcomes Ages 10 to 15”
• Incorrect: “Festival Welcomes Children Aged 10 to 15 Years Old”

Check Out: How Do We Write Numbers In AP Style?

What Did You Learn?

By following these key rules for formatting age ranges, avoiding common mistakes, and expressing age in a concise manner in headlines, you can ensure your writing adheres to AP Style standards.

Whether you are discussing specific ages, using compound adjectives, or presenting age ranges in the media, clarity and precision should always be your priorities.