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.