AP Style Guide

In AP Style, AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, while HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s important to distinguish between these two diseases, as they are not interchangeable.

AIDS In AP Style

AIDS is widely accepted acronym. It stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is a serious disease which is caused by a disease named HIV.

HIV is a virus that stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Note: You cannot write or say ‘HIV Virus’.

HIV Virus = Human Immunodeficiency Virus Virus (Wrong)

HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Correct)

These two diseases cannot be interchangeable. HIV and AIDS are two different diseases. You cannot mixed them up.

Unlike the other viruses like common flu or cold, HIV is such a dangerous virus that remains and never go away. A person with this particular virus, slowly and gradually, becomes severely ill; as this disease badly weakens a person’s immune system. When a person’s immune system becomes so weakened by HIV, then he or she will then diagnosed with AIDS.

Hence, HIV and AIDS are two totally different diseases. You can name AIDS as advanced HIV disease.

When to Use the Term ‘AIDS’ in AP Style

In AP Style, it’s important to use the term AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) appropriately in news reporting to ensure clarity and accuracy. Here’s how to navigate its correct use:

1. Use ‘AIDS’ When Referring to the Disease Stage

AIDS should be used to refer specifically to the advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. It is diagnosed when a person’s immune system has been severely weakened by the HIV virus. When writing about a person who has progressed to this stage, it is appropriate to use “AIDS” to indicate the condition.

Example:

• “The patient was diagnosed with AIDS after his immune system became critically compromised.”

2. Avoid Interchanging ‘HIV’ and ‘AIDS’

AIDS and HIV are distinct, and it’s crucial not to use the terms interchangeably. HIV refers to the virus that causes AIDS, but someone with HIV may not yet have developed AIDS. Use “HIV” when discussing the virus and “AIDS” when referring to the syndrome.

Incorrect Usage:

• “He tested positive for AIDS.” (This implies the person has the syndrome, but not necessarily the virus)

Correct Usage:

• “He tested positive for HIV, but does not yet have AIDS.”

3. Use ‘AIDS’ to Refer to the Final Stages of HIV

AIDS is typically the term used to describe the later, more severe stages of HIV infection. It’s when the individual’s immune system becomes dangerously weak, making them susceptible to opportunistic infections. In news reporting, it is important to specify this stage to highlight the severity of the disease progression.

Example:

• “After living with HIV for many years, she was diagnosed with AIDS, making her vulnerable to other infections.”

4. Avoid Using ‘AIDS’ in a Broad, General Sense

When referring to HIV, avoid using “AIDS” unless discussing the specific syndrome stage. HIV is an ongoing infection that doesn’t necessarily lead to AIDS if properly treated. Therefore, “AIDS” should be used only in contexts where the progression to the syndrome is relevant to the story.

Incorrect Usage:

• “There is no cure for AIDS.” (If talking about the virus itself, this is misleading)

Correct Usage:

• “There is no cure for HIV, but treatments can prevent it from progressing to AIDS.”

Check Out: Prognosis vs Diagnosis.

What Did You Learn?

In summary, “AIDS” should be used carefully in AP Style to distinguish it from HIV. It’s the term for the advanced stage of HIV infection and should only be used to refer to a person whose immune system is significantly weakened. It’s essential to use both terms, HIV and AIDS, correctly to avoid confusion and to provide clear, accurate reporting.

In AP Style, “A.D.” and “B.C.” are used to indicate specific periods in the Gregorian calendar. “A.D.” (Anno Domini) is placed before the year, while “B.C.” (Before Christ) is written after the year.

A.D. and B.C. are both abbreviations. A.D. is the abbreviation for anno Domini while B.C. is the abbreviation for before Christ. Both are widely accepted abbreviations that refers to specific calendar years.

Use of A.D.

The abbreviation A.D. for anno Domini means ‘in the year of the Lord’. If you are referring A.D. with a year specified, then you should write A.D. before that figure. For example,

• They ruled in the A.D. 740s.

Use of B.C.

The abbreviation B.C. refers to the years before Christ. Unlike A.D., if you are referring B.C. with a year specified, then you should write B.C. after that figure. For example,

• Some recent research suggests that the dating of Herod’s death might be up for debate and could be dated 1 B.C. (Bill Petro)

Notes:

• It is assumed to be A.D. or B.C. if there is no reference to any specific year after A.D. or before B.C.
• You cannot write ‘in the fifth century A.D.’ Simply, write ‘in the fifth century’ (without mentioning A.D.).
• However, in the above case, you should mention B.C. (i.e., 21^st century B.C.).

When to Omit “A.D.” and “B.C.” in AP Style

These can often be omitted when referencing centuries or general time periods. For example, instead of writing “5th century A.D.,” you can simply use “5th century.”

The abbreviation is unnecessary when the century is clearly implied, and it helps to avoid redundancy. Similarly, for centuries in the B.C. era, writing “5th century B.C.” is acceptable without adding the “B.C.” after each year mentioned, as the context is clear.

Alternative Terms for “A.D.” and “B.C.” in Modern Writing

In recent years, the use of “CE” (Common Era) and “BCE” (Before Common Era) has become more popular, especially in academic and non-religious contexts. These terms are viewed as secular alternatives to “A.D.” and “B.C.” “CE” corresponds to “A.D.,” and “BCE” corresponds to “B.C.”

While they are widely accepted in many fields, it’s important to follow the specific guidelines of your publication or style guide. If using AP Style, “A.D.” and “B.C.” are preferred, but “CE” and “BCE” may be used if appropriate.

Check Out: How To Write Ages In AP Style?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes when using these is incorrect placement. Remember, “A.D.” always precedes the year, such as in “A.D. 740,” while “B.C.” follows the year, like “740 B.C.”

Another common error is the unnecessary use of “A.D.” or “B.C.” when referencing centuries (e.g., “5th century A.D.”). It’s generally understood that centuries are A.D. unless specified otherwise.

Additionally, avoid redundant phrases like “HIV virus” (since HIV already stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as it creates repetition. Always ensure correct usage for clarity.

What Did We Learn?

According to AP Style. “A.D.” (Anno Domini) is placed before a year, while “B.C.” (Before Christ) follows the year. We also discovered that “A.D.” and “B.C.” can be omitted in certain contexts, especially when referring to centuries

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.