AP Style guidelines for writing time recommend using figures, lowercase abbreviations (a.m. and p.m.), and omitting unnecessary zeros. These conventions ensure clarity and consistency when specifying times in writing.
Usually, in most of the areas, you do not need to write down the exact time. But there comes some important occasions, for which, you have to specify the time of day.
What AP Style Time Suggests?
1. In the areas where you have to mention the time of day, you should use figures for that. If you are referring noon or midnight then, you have to spell out the whole word (i.e. noon or midnight).
2. You should not capitalize the abbreviations a.m. (for ante meridiem) and p.m. ( for post meridiem).
For example,
• The event will be held at 10 a.m.
3. You should avoid using unnecessary zeroes. Like,
10:00 p.m. (Wrong)
10 p.m. (Correct)
4. Use a.m. or p.m. only once within a sentence. For instance, “7:45 – 10 a.m.”
5. If the time goes from morning into the evening or from the evening into the morning, you should mention both a.m. and p.m. For instance, “7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.”
6. You have noticed that you should use a colon to separate hours from minutes. Like, 7:45 a.m.
7. If you are referring the units of measurement in time sequences the. You should spell out the whole words i.e. “2 hours, 10 minutes, 20 seconds.”
When to Include the Exact Time in Writing
Typically, AP Style only requires specific times for events or occasions where timing is critical, such as press conferences, meetings, or scheduled broadcasts.
For general contexts, time can often be omitted to keep writing concise and relevant.
Avoiding Unnecessary Zeros in Time Notation
When writing times in AP Style, omit “:00” to simplify the reading. For instance, write “5 p.m.” rather than “5:00 p.m.” unless specific minutes are essential for clarity. This keeps the time clear and to the point.
Formatting Time Ranges with a.m. and p.m.
For time ranges that remain within either the morning or evening, only mention “a.m.” or “p.m.” once, as in “10 – 11:30 a.m.” For ranges that cross from morning to evening, include both, like “8 a.m. – 3 p.m.”
This approach avoids redundancy and improves readability.
Check Out: How Do We Write Percent In AP Style?
Common Errors to Avoid in AP Style Time Formatting
- Avoid common mistakes like capitalizing “A.M.” or “P.M.” and adding unnecessary zeros (e.g., “7:00 a.m.”).
- Remember to spell out “noon” and “midnight” rather than using “12 p.m.” or “12 a.m.,” as these can cause confusion.
- Double-check for these details to maintain a professional AP Style format.
What Did You Learn?
Mastering AP Style time formatting is essential for clear and professional communication.
By knowing when to include exact times, avoiding unnecessary zeros, and formatting time ranges appropriately, you ensure that your writing is both precise and easy to follow. Avoiding common errors, such as incorrect capitalization and misuse of “noon” or “midnight”, will help maintain a polished, credible presentation.
With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to write time accurately and consistently in AP Style, enhancing the readability and professionalism of your work.