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Tier 3 of 3. Full reference covering Parts 1–22 plus appendices (commonly misspelled words, redundancies, clichés, problematic phrases, tricky plurals). ~25K tokens. For most articles, the Condensed tier is the recommended default.

AP Style Comprehensive Reference

Local market style guides may override specific entries. Subject-matter sections (Sports, Business, Legal) may override general number or abbreviation rules for their domains.

Part 1: Punctuation

Apostrophe

Possessives—Singular Nouns

Add apostrophe-s to singular nouns, including most proper nouns ending in s, x, or z.

Examples:

Special cases for proper nouns ending in s:

Use only an apostrophe (no additional s) for:

When the next word begins with s, use only an apostrophe:

Possessives—Plural Nouns

For plurals ending in s, add only an apostrophe. For plurals not ending in s, add apostrophe-s.

Regular plurals:

Irregular plurals:

Possessives—Compound Words and Phrases

Add apostrophe-s to the word closest to the object possessed.

Examples:

Possessives with descriptive phrases:

Possessives—Joint vs. Individual Possession

For joint possession (shared ownership), use apostrophe-s after the last noun only. For individual possession (separate ownership), use apostrophe-s after each noun.

Joint possession:

Individual possession:

Possessives—Pronouns

Personal pronouns have their own possessive forms. Never use apostrophes with them.

Correct:

Common errors:

Indefinite pronouns do take apostrophes:

Possessives—Inanimate Objects

For inanimate objects, the possessive is generally acceptable, though rewording with “of” is sometimes clearer.

Acceptable:

Consider rewording when the possessive sounds awkward:

Quasi-Possessives

Some expressions use possessive forms idiomatically even though possession isn’t literal.

Examples:

But: a two-week notice (when used as modifier)

Contractions

Use apostrophe to indicate omitted letters in contractions.

Common contractions:

Informal contractions (use in quoted speech only):

Critical distinctions:

Omitted Figures

Use apostrophe to indicate omitted numerals.

Examples:

Plurals of Single Letters

Use apostrophe-s for plurals of single letters to avoid confusion.

Examples:

Do not use apostrophe for plurals of multiple letters, numerals, or words used as words.

Examples:

Colon

Introducing Lists, Explanations, or Amplification

Use a colon to introduce a list, explanation, or amplification of what precedes it. The colon says: “Here comes information about what I just said.”

Basic rule: What precedes the colon must be a complete sentence (independent clause).

Correct:

Incorrect (colon after incomplete clause):

Correct revisions:

Capitalization After Colons

Capitalize the first word after a colon only if:

  1. It begins a complete sentence
  2. It begins a direct quotation
  3. The material is a proper noun

Lowercase after colon (phrase or incomplete sentence):

Uppercase after colon (complete sentence):

Introducing Quotations

Use a colon to introduce a quotation of one or more complete sentences.

Examples:

For quotations that are incomplete sentences or that flow directly from the attribution, use a comma.

Examples:

Dialogue and Q&A Format

Use colon in Q&A formats and transcripts.

Examples:

Time

Use colon to separate hours from minutes, and minutes from seconds.

Examples:

Noon and midnight stand alone; no colon needed.

Ratios

Use colon for ratios.

Examples:

Use colon in citations.

Examples:

Lists Following Headlines

In headlines and subheads, colons may introduce lists without requiring a complete sentence to precede them.

Example:

Comma

The comma indicates a pause or separates elements. Its overuse clutters prose; its underuse creates confusion.

Serial Comma (Oxford Comma)

Do not use a comma before the final conjunction in a simple series.

AP style (no serial comma):

Exceptions—use the serial comma when:

  1. An element of the series requires a conjunction:
    • Breakfast included bacon and eggs, toast, and orange juice.
    • The choices were chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry and banana.
  2. The series is complex or could be misread:
    • The policy applies to full-time employees, part-time employees who work more than 20 hours per week, and contractors with agreements exceeding six months.
    • I’d like to thank my parents, Mother Teresa, and the Pope. (Without the serial comma: “my parents, Mother Teresa and the Pope” suggests your parents are those two individuals.)

Introductory Elements

Use a comma after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that precede the main clause.

Introductory clauses:

Introductory phrases:

Introductory words:

Exception: Short introductory phrases (generally fewer than four words) may omit the comma if no ambiguity results.

Comma optional:

Comma required for clarity:

Nonessential vs. Essential Elements

Nonessential (nonrestrictive) elements can be removed without changing the essential meaning of the sentence. Set them off with commas.

Essential (restrictive) elements are necessary to the sentence’s meaning. Do not set them off with commas.

Nonessential (use commas):

Essential (no commas):

Test: If you can remove the element and the sentence’s core meaning remains unchanged, use commas. If the element identifies or restricts what you’re talking about, omit commas.

Appositives

Appositives (nouns or noun phrases that rename another noun) follow the essential/nonessential rule.

Nonessential appositive (commas):

Essential appositive (no commas):

Conjunctions

Use a comma before coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) that join independent clauses.

Comma required:

No comma when the second clause lacks its own subject (not independent):

Coordinate Adjectives

Use commas between coordinate adjectives—adjectives that independently modify the same noun and could be reordered or connected with “and.”

Coordinate (use comma):

Cumulative (no comma)—adjectives build on each other and sound wrong if reordered:

Direct Address

Use commas to set off names or terms used in direct address.

Examples:

Parenthetical Elements

Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions, transitional words, and interjections.

Examples:

Dates

Use commas to set off the year in month-day-year format. No comma in month-year format.

Month-day-year (commas):

Month-year (no comma):

Day-month-year (no comma—military/international style):

Geographic Names

Use commas to set off city from state or country, and set off what follows.

Examples:

No comma when only the state name is used:

Quotations

Use comma to introduce a direct quotation that is a complete sentence, and place the comma inside closing quotation marks.

Introducing quotations:

Commas inside quotation marks:

Numbers

Use commas in numbers higher than 999. See the Numbers section for exceptions.

Examples:

Unnecessary Commas

Do not use a comma:

Between subject and verb:

Before “that” introducing an essential clause:

After “such as” or “including”:

Between compound elements that are not independent clauses:

Dash

Two types of dashes serve different purposes: the em dash (—) and the en dash (–).

Em Dash

The em dash indicates an abrupt change, an emphatic pause, or sets off a series within a phrase.

Abrupt change or interruption:

Emphasis or amplification:

Setting off a series:

Spacing: AP style calls for spaces before and after em dashes. (Note: some style guides use no spaces.)

Use sparingly. Too many em dashes clutter prose. Often commas or parentheses work better.

En Dash

The en dash (slightly shorter than em dash) is used primarily in ranges.

Ranges:

In practice: Many publications, including some following AP, use hyphens for ranges in running text. En dashes are more common in technical contexts, charts, and headlines.

Ellipsis

The ellipsis (…) indicates an omission or a pause.

Omission in Quotations

Use ellipsis to show that words have been omitted from a quoted passage.

Examples:

Spacing: Use a space before and after an ellipsis.

Beginning and end: Generally, do not use ellipsis at the beginning or end of a quote unless necessary to show the thought is incomplete.

Trailing Off

Use ellipsis to indicate a thought trailing off or speech that fades.

Examples:

Hesitation

Use ellipsis to show a pause or hesitation in speech.

Examples:

With Other Punctuation

When an ellipsis ends a sentence, add a period (four dots total).

Examples:

When a sentence ends with a question mark or exclamation point before the ellipsis, retain that punctuation.

Exclamation Point

Use the exclamation point to express surprise, incredulity, or other strong emotion. Use sparingly in news writing.

Appropriate Uses

Direct quotes expressing strong emotion:

Interjections:

Avoid Overuse

In news writing, facts should convey significance. Exclamation points suggest editorializing.

Placement

Place exclamation point inside quotation marks when it’s part of the quoted material.

Hyphen

Hyphens join words and separate syllables. They are one of the most challenging punctuation marks to master.

Compound Modifiers Before a Noun

Hyphenate compound modifiers (two or more words expressing a single concept) when they precede the noun they modify.

Hyphenate before the noun:

No hyphen after the noun:

No hyphen when the first word is an adverb ending in -ly:

Compound Modifiers with Numbers

Age:

Dimensions:

Time:

Compound Nouns

Some compound nouns are hyphenated; others are one word or two words. Consult the dictionary when uncertain.

Hyphenated compound nouns:

One word:

Two words:

Prefixes

Most prefixes do not require hyphens, but some do.

No hyphen (most cases):

Hyphenate when:

  1. The prefix ends in a vowel and the root word begins with the same vowel:
    • re-elect (but reelect is increasingly accepted)
    • re-enter
    • pre-empt (but preempt is increasingly accepted)
    • co-owner
    • anti-intellectual
  2. The prefix is before a capitalized word:
    • un-American
    • pre-Columbian
    • anti-American
    • mid-Atlantic (but midterm)
    • trans-Atlantic
  3. To distinguish from another word:
    • re-cover (cover again) vs. recover (get better)
    • re-sign (sign again) vs. resign (quit)
    • re-creation (creating again) vs. recreation (fun activities)
    • re-form (form again) vs. reform (improve)
  4. With “self-,” “ex-“ (meaning former), and “all-“:
    • self-esteem, self-defense
    • ex-president, ex-wife
    • all-American, all-inclusive
  5. With “great-“ in family relationships:
    • great-grandmother
    • great-great-grandfather
  6. With “-elect”:
    • president-elect
    • governor-elect

Suspensive Hyphenation

When two or more compound modifiers share a common element, use suspensive hyphenation.

Examples:

Ethnic Terms

Do not hyphenate ethnic or national terms used as modifiers unless they are of equal weight.

No hyphen:

Hyphen for equal weight:

Words Not to Hyphenate

Common errors—no hyphen needed:

Parentheses

Parentheses set off supplemental or explanatory material that is less essential than material set off by em dashes.

Supplemental Information

Examples:

Punctuation with Parentheses

If a parenthetical element is within a sentence, punctuation goes outside the closing parenthesis.

Example:

If a complete sentence stands alone in parentheses, punctuation goes inside.

Example:

Area Codes

Enclose area codes in parentheses.

Example:

Political Affiliations

Use parentheses for political party and state.

Examples:

Avoid Overuse

Parentheses can disrupt reading flow. Consider whether the information should be woven into the sentence or set off with em dashes instead.

Period

End of Sentences

Use a period at the end of declarative and mildly imperative sentences.

Declarative:

Mildly imperative:

Abbreviations

Use periods with most abbreviations. See the Abbreviations section for specifics.

With periods:

Without periods:

Ellipsis at End of Sentence

When an ellipsis ends a sentence, add a period (four dots total, with space before):

With Quotation Marks

Periods always go inside closing quotation marks.

Examples:

Initials

Use periods and no space with initials.

Examples:

Question Mark

Direct Questions

Use a question mark at the end of a direct question.

Examples:

Indirect Questions

Do not use a question mark for indirect questions.

Examples:

Placement with Quotation Marks

Place the question mark inside quotation marks if the quote itself is a question. Place it outside if the overall sentence is a question but the quoted material is not.

Inside:

Outside:

Series of Questions

Short questions in a series may each have a question mark.

Example:

Quotation Marks

Direct Quotations

Use double quotation marks for direct quotations—the exact words spoken or written.

Examples:

Quotes Within Quotes

Use single quotation marks for a quote within a quote.

Example:

Placement of Punctuation

Always inside quotation marks:

Depends on context:

Inside:

Outside:

Always outside quotation marks:

Titles of Works

Use quotation marks for titles of:

Examples:

See the Composition Titles section for more detail.

Words as Words

Use quotation marks for words used in a special sense, as words, or for irony.

Examples:

Do not overuse ironic quotation marks. They can seem snide.

Nicknames

Use quotation marks for nicknames inserted into a name.

Example:

Unfamiliar Terms

Use quotation marks on first reference for unfamiliar terms, slang, or technical jargon being introduced.

Example:

Semicolon

The semicolon indicates a greater separation than a comma but less than a period.

Joining Independent Clauses

Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses not connected by a coordinating conjunction.

Examples:

A semicolon can also join independent clauses before a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, consequently, furthermore).

Examples:

Series with Internal Commas

Use semicolons to separate elements in a series when those elements contain commas.

Examples:

Placement with Quotation Marks

Semicolons always go outside closing quotation marks.

Example:

Part 2: Capitalization

General Principles

Sentence Beginnings

Capitalize the first word of every sentence, including sentences within quotations.

Examples:

Proper Nouns vs. Common Nouns

Proper nouns (specific names) are capitalized. Common nouns (general categories) are lowercase.

Proper nouns:

Common nouns:

The principle: Capitalize when the word is part of a formal name. Use lowercase when used generically.

Lists After Colons

Capitalize the first word after a colon only if what follows is a complete sentence.

Complete sentence (capitalize):

Phrase or fragment (lowercase):

Titles of People

Formal Titles Before Names

Capitalize formal titles immediately before a name. Lowercase titles after a name or standing alone.

Before name (capitalize):

After name or alone (lowercase):

Exceptions—Titles Always Lowercase

Some titles are always lowercase, even before a name:

Long Titles

For lengthy titles, place them after the name and lowercase.

Awkward:

Better:

Job Descriptions vs. Titles

Job descriptions are lowercase. Formal titles may be capitalized before a name.

Job descriptions (always lowercase):

Test: If “the” can be inserted before the title naturally, it’s likely a job description, not a formal title.

First Reference vs. Subsequent Reference

Use full title on first reference. Use the person’s last name only (no title) on subsequent references.

First reference:

Subsequent:

Exception: In direct quotes, use whatever title the speaker uses:

Named Professorships and Fellowships

Capitalize named professorships and fellowships.

Examples:

Government and Political Terms

Specific Government Bodies (Capitalize)

Congress:

State legislatures:

Executive:

Judicial:

Generic Government Terms (Lowercase)

Lowercase when used generically:

Political Parties

Capitalize the name of political parties and the word “party” when it’s part of a proper name.

Examples:

Capitalize “Party” Only as Part of Name

Examples:

Laws, Bills, Acts

Capitalize the formal names of laws and bills. Lowercase informal references.

Formal names (capitalize):

Informal references (lowercase):

Constitutions

Capitalize:

Lowercase:

Organizations and Institutions

Full Names

Capitalize the full names of organizations, institutions, and businesses.

Examples:

Abbreviations on Second Reference

After first reference by full name, abbreviate or use shortened forms.

Examples:

Generic References

Lowercase generic references.

Examples:

“The” in Organization Names

Do not capitalize “the” unless it’s part of an organization’s formal name (rare).

Examples:

Nicknames and Alternate Names

Capitalize widely recognized nicknames for organizations.

Examples:

Geographic Terms

Specific Places

Capitalize names of specific geographic features.

Examples:

Regions vs. Directions

Capitalize regions:

Lowercase compass directions:

Test: If you can substitute a compass direction with a directional phrase (turn left, head toward sunset), use lowercase. If it’s a proper region, capitalize.

Countries and States

Capitalize the names of nations, states, counties, cities.

Examples:

Generic Terms

Lowercase generic terms standing alone.

Examples:

Capitalize when part of a proper name:

Nationalities, Races, Tribes

Capitalize names of nationalities, races, ethnicities, and tribes.

Examples:

Composition Titles

What to Capitalize

For titles of books, movies, TV shows, plays, albums, songs, poems, articles, speeches, and works of art, capitalize:

What to Lowercase

Do not capitalize:

Unless they are the first or last word in the title.

Examples

Books and films:

Albums and songs:

TV shows:

Quotation Marks for Titles

Use quotation marks around titles of:

Examples:

Exceptions—No Quotation Marks

Do not use quotation marks for:

Academic and Religious Terms

Academic Degrees

Avoid abbreviations unless space is tight. When using abbreviations, set them off with commas.

Preferred:

Abbreviations (if needed):

Lowercase general references:

Capitalize specific degree names:

Academic Departments

Capitalize official department names. Lowercase informal references.

Capitalize:

Lowercase:

Courses

Capitalize specific course titles. Lowercase general subjects.

Capitalize:

Lowercase:

Religious Terms

Capitalize:

Lowercase:

Capitalize when part of a name:

Seasons, Days, Holidays

Seasons

Lowercase seasons unless part of a formal name.

Lowercase:

Capitalize as part of proper names:

Days and Months

Capitalize days of the week and months of the year.

Examples:

Holidays

Capitalize holidays and special observances.

Examples:

Miscellaneous Capitalization

Internet Terms

Lowercase:

Capitalize trademarked names:

Historical Periods and Events

Capitalize:

Lowercase:

After a Colon in Headlines

Capitalize the first word after a colon in headlines.

Example:

Trade Names and Trademarks

Capitalize trade names.

Examples:

Use generic alternatives when appropriate in news writing:

Part 3: Numbers

Basic Rule

One Through Nine

Spell out one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.

Examples:

10 and Above

Use numerals for 10 and above.

Examples:

Exceptions—Always Use Numerals

Regardless of whether the number is below 10, always use numerals for:

Ages

Addresses

Dates

Percentages

Decimals

Dimensions

Money

Votes, Scores, Odds

Time of Day

Temperature

Speeds

Highways and Routes

Chapters and Sections

Academic Grades and Course Numbers

Serial Numbers, Identification Numbers

Recipes

Sports Statistics

Exceptions—Always Spell Out

Regardless of size, spell out:

Beginning of Sentence

Never begin a sentence with a numeral.

Wrong: 15 people attended. Correct: Fifteen people attended.

Alternative: Rephrase to avoid starting with a number.

Exception: Years can begin a sentence.

Casual or Indefinite Use

Fractions Standing Alone

But use numerals with whole numbers:

Formal Names of Military Units

Ordinal Numbers in General Text

But use numerals for:

Some Expressions

Large Numbers

Millions, Billions, Trillions

Use a numeral plus the word for numbers in the millions and higher.

Examples:

For exact figures, use all numerals:

Rounding

Round large numbers for readability when exactness isn’t critical.

Examples:

Consistency in a Sentence

Use numerals consistently within a sentence.

Consistent:

Inconsistent (avoid):

Ranges

Connecting Words

Use “to” or “through” for ranges in running text.

Examples:

Hyphens/En Dashes for Ranges

In tables, charts, and some contexts, hyphens or en dashes may be used.

Examples:

Suspensive Hyphenation

Dates

Month-Day-Year

Use numerals for the day. Set off the year with commas.

Examples:

Month-Year

No comma between month and year.

Examples:

Day-Month-Year (Military Style)

No commas. Rare in general news writing.

Example:

Decades

Use numerals. No apostrophe before the s.

Correct:

Wrong:

Centuries

Spell out and use lowercase.

Examples:

Years

Use numerals.

Examples:

B.C. and A.D.:

Times

Time of Day

Use numerals with a.m. and p.m.

Examples:

Noon and Midnight

Use the words “noon” and “midnight,” not 12 p.m. or 12 a.m.

Correct:

Avoid:

On the Hour

The “:00” is unnecessary for times on the hour.

Preferred:

Acceptable:

Time Zones

Use abbreviations, set off by commas.

Examples:

Spell out when not following a time:

Durations

Spell out for casual references:

Use numerals for precise or sports times:

Money

Dollar Amounts

Use the dollar sign with numerals.

Examples:

For amounts less than $1:

Ranges

Foreign Currencies

Identify the currency on first reference.

Examples:

Use the exchange rate in parentheses when helpful:

Addresses

Street Numbers

Use numerals.

Examples:

Abbreviate Street Suffixes with Numbers

Spell out without numbers:

Compass Directions

Abbreviate compass directions in numbered addresses.

Examples:

Building Numbers, Suites

Examples:

Phone Numbers

Format

Use parentheses for area code, hyphen between exchange and number.

Examples:

Extensions

Toll-Free

International

Include country code.

Sports Statistics

Scores

Use numerals and hyphens.

Examples:

Records

Use hyphens.

Examples:

Individual Statistics

Use numerals.

Examples:

Odds

Use numerals and hyphens.

Examples:

Ratios and Odds

Ratios

Use numerals and colons.

Examples:

Proportions

Part 4: Abbreviations and Acronyms

General Principles

First Reference

Spell out on first reference, then abbreviate.

Example:

Exception: Widely recognized abbreviations need not be spelled out on first reference.

Periods in Abbreviations

Use periods:

No periods:

The Test

If each letter is pronounced individually (F-B-I), no periods. If pronounced as a word (NASA, AIDS), no periods. If a shortened form of a word (Dr., Mr., Ave.), use periods.

State Names

With City Names

Abbreviate state names when used with city names. Use AP’s traditional abbreviations (not postal codes) in text.

Examples:

Standing Alone

Spell out state names standing alone in text.

Examples:

AP State Abbreviations

State Abbreviation
Alabama Ala.
Alaska Alaska
Arizona Ariz.
Arkansas Ark.
California Calif.
Colorado Colo.
Connecticut Conn.
Delaware Del.
Florida Fla.
Georgia Ga.
Hawaii Hawaii
Idaho Idaho
Illinois Ill.
Indiana Ind.
Iowa Iowa
Kansas Kan.
Kentucky Ky.
Louisiana La.
Maine Maine
Maryland Md.
Massachusetts Mass.
Michigan Mich.
Minnesota Minn.
Mississippi Miss.
Missouri Mo.
Montana Mont.
Nebraska Neb.
Nevada Nev.
New Hampshire N.H.
New Jersey N.J.
New Mexico N.M.
New York N.Y.
North Carolina N.C.
North Dakota N.D.
Ohio Ohio
Oklahoma Okla.
Oregon Ore.
Pennsylvania Pa.
Rhode Island R.I.
South Carolina S.C.
South Dakota S.D.
Tennessee Tenn.
Texas Texas
Utah Utah
Vermont Vt.
Virginia Va.
Washington Wash.
West Virginia W.Va.
Wisconsin Wis.
Wyoming Wyo.

Eight states are never abbreviated: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, Utah.

Postal Codes

Use two-letter postal codes only in full addresses with ZIP codes.

Example:

Months and Days

Months

Abbreviate months of more than five letters when used with specific dates.

Abbreviate:

Spell out:

With dates:

Standing alone:

Days of the Week

Never abbreviate days of the week in text.

Examples:

Exception: In tables, calendars, and charts, abbreviations are acceptable.

Titles

Before Names

Abbreviate certain titles before full names.

Abbreviate:

Spell out:

After Names

Abbreviate and set off with commas.

Examples:

Military Titles

See Military section.

Organizations and Agencies

First Reference

Spell out organizational names on first reference.

Examples:

Widely Known Abbreviations

The following may be used without spelling out:

Company Names

Follow the company’s preference for Inc., Corp., Co., Ltd.

Examples:

Units of Measurement

General Rule

Spell out most units of measurement in regular text.

Examples:

Abbreviations in Technical Contexts

In charts, tables, or technical writing, abbreviations are acceptable.

Common abbreviations: | Measurement | Abbreviation | |————-|————–| | inches | in. | | feet | ft. | | yards | yd. | | miles | mi. | | ounces | oz. | | pounds | lb. or lbs. | | miles per hour | mph | | miles per gallon | mpg | | kilometers | km | | kilograms | kg | | meters | m | | centimeters | cm | | millimeters | mm |

Speed

Use numerals with “mph” (no periods).

Examples:

Temperature

Spell out “degrees.”

Examples:

Use Fahrenheit in the U.S.; specify Celsius when relevant.

Military Ranks

Abbreviations Before Names

Rank Before Name
General Gen.
Lieutenant General Lt. Gen.
Major General Maj. Gen.
Brigadier General Brig. Gen.
Colonel Col.
Lieutenant Colonel Lt. Col.
Major Maj.
Captain Capt.
First Lieutenant 1st Lt.
Second Lieutenant 2nd Lt.
Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj.
Master Sergeant Master Sgt.
Sergeant First Class Sgt. 1st Class
Staff Sergeant Staff Sgt.
Sergeant Sgt.
Corporal Cpl.
Private First Class Pfc.
Private Pvt.
Admiral Adm.
Vice Admiral Vice Adm.
Rear Admiral Rear Adm.
Commander Cmdr.
Lieutenant Commander Lt. Cmdr.
Lieutenant Lt.
Ensign Ensign

Military ranks vary slightly by branch. Use the appropriate style.

Retired Officers

Other Common Abbreviations

Latin Terms

Usage notes:

Miscellaneous

Term Abbreviation
Number No. (with figures: No. 5)
Saint St. (St. Louis)
Mount Mt. (Mt. Everest)
Fort Ft. (Ft. Worth)
versus vs.
approximately approx. (tables only)

Part 5: Titles and Names

Personal Names

First and Last Names

Use a person’s full name on first reference. Use last name only on subsequent references.

First reference:

Subsequent:

Preferred Names

Use the name a person prefers.

Examples:

If unsure, ask. Verify spelling.

Nicknames

Use quotation marks for nicknames in the middle of a name.

Examples:

If the nickname is all the person is known by, no quotes:

Suffixes

Do not use a comma before Jr. or Sr. or Roman numerals.

Examples:

Women’s Names

Do not use courtesy titles (Ms., Miss, Mrs.) on first reference. Use last name alone on subsequent reference.

First reference:

Subsequent:

Exception: Use courtesy titles in direct quotes if that’s how the source referred to someone.

Hyphenated Names

Use the person’s preference.

Examples:

Initials

Use periods, no space between initials.

Examples:

Foreign Names

Particles (de, von, van, etc.):

Chinese, Korean, Japanese names:

Vietnamese, Thai names:

Jr., Sr., II, III

Use these designations when part of a person’s name. On subsequent reference, the designation may be dropped unless needed to distinguish from another person.

Professional Titles

Before Names

Capitalize formal titles before names. Lowercase after names or standing alone.

Before name:

After name:

Long Titles

Place long titles after the name.

Awkward:

Better:

Corporate Titles

Use the title the company uses, but lowercase job descriptions.

Examples:

Legislative Titles

Members of Congress

Senate:

House:

Party affiliation: Include party and state in parentheses on first reference.

State Legislators

Examples:

Former Members

Examples:

Courtesy Titles

General Rule

Do not use courtesy titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss) on first reference.

First reference:

Second Reference

Use last name only, without courtesy title, for most references.

Example:

When to Use Courtesy Titles

Some publications use courtesy titles on second reference in certain contexts. Follow your local style guide.

In Direct Quotes

Use whatever title the speaker used.

Example:

Academic Titles

Before Names

Examples:

Note: Do not use Dr. for people with non-medical doctorates unless that is their preference and it’s relevant to the story.

After Names

Examples:

Professors

Examples:

Religious Titles

Catholic

Protestant

Jewish

Islamic

Buddhist

Royalty and Nobility

British Royalty

Examples:

Dukes, earls, lords:

Other Royal Families

Follow the conventions of the country.

Part 6: Attribution and Quotations

Said

The Preferred Attribution

Use “said” for most attribution. It’s neutral and invisible to readers.

Examples:

Alternatives to “Said”

Use alternatives sparingly and only when they add meaning.

Acceptable alternatives:

Avoid:

Attribution Placement

After a short quote:

In the middle of a quote:

Before a long quote:

“Says” vs. “Said”

Use past tense “said” for news stories reporting events.

Use present tense “says” for:

Examples:

Attribution for Written Material

Reports, studies, documents:

Avoid “The report admitted” or “The report claimed.”

Quotation Guidelines

Direct vs. Indirect Quotes

Direct quote: The person’s exact words, in quotation marks.

Indirect quote (paraphrase): The sense of what was said, without quotes.

When to use direct quotes:

When to paraphrase:

Partial Quotes

Use partial quotes when only a few words are distinctive enough to quote directly.

Examples:

Avoid overusing partial quotes. If it’s not distinctive, paraphrase.

Accuracy

Never alter quotes to fit your preference. You may:

Never:

Cleaning Up Quotes

Acceptable:

Not acceptable:

When in doubt, paraphrase rather than misquote.

Block Quotes

For quotes longer than two sentences, consider using block format.

Example: Smith issued a statement: “The company has achieved record growth this year. We expanded into three new markets, hired 500 employees, and increased revenue by 25 percent. We’re excited about the future.”

Interviewing Best Practices

Anonymous Sources

When to Use

Anonymous sources should be used sparingly. Use them only when:

How to Attribute

Be as specific as possible about the source’s position.

Preferred: according to a senior White House official authorized to speak on condition of anonymity Acceptable: according to a source familiar with the negotiations Avoid: according to sources (vague)

What to Avoid

Verification

Verify information from anonymous sources with at least one other source when possible.

On the Record, Off the Record, Background

On the Record

Everything can be used and attributed to the source by name.

On Background (Not for Attribution)

Information can be used but not attributed to the source by name. Use a description: “a senior official,” “a person familiar with the matter.”

Off the Record

Information cannot be used or attributed in any way. It’s for the reporter’s understanding only.

Clarify terms before an interview. Meanings vary by organization.

Deep Background

Information can inform reporting but cannot be used directly or attributed in any way. The reporter may use the knowledge to seek the information elsewhere.

Part 7: Word Usage and Style

Commonly Confused Words

Accept / Except

Accept: To receive, agree to.

Except: Excluding, but.

Adverse / Averse

Adverse: Unfavorable, harmful.

Averse: Opposed, reluctant.

Affect / Effect

Affect (verb): To influence.

Effect (noun): Result, consequence.

Effect (verb): To bring about (formal).

Affect (noun): Emotional state (psychology term).

Aggravate / Irritate

Aggravate: To make worse.

Irritate: To annoy.

Allude / Elude

Allude: To refer to indirectly.

Elude: To escape, evade.

Among / Between

Among: For three or more.

Between: For two.

Exception: “Between” is sometimes used for more than two when the relationship involves distinct pairs or individuals.

Anxious / Eager

Anxious: Worried, uneasy.

Eager: Looking forward to.

Bring / Take

Bring: Movement toward the speaker.

Take: Movement away from the speaker.

Capital / Capitol

Capital: Seat of government; money; uppercase letter.

Capitol: The building.

Compose / Comprise

Compose: To make up, create.

Comprise: To include, contain.

Never: comprised of (incorrect)

Continual / Continuous

Continual: Repeated, intermittent.

Continuous: Uninterrupted, constant.

Discreet / Discrete

Discreet: Careful, tactful, prudent.

Discrete: Separate, distinct.

Disinterested / Uninterested

Disinterested: Impartial, neutral.

Uninterested: Lacking interest, not caring.

Ensure / Insure / Assure

Ensure: To guarantee.

Insure: To provide insurance.

Assure: To reassure a person.

Farther / Further

Farther: Physical distance.

Further: Abstract degree.

Fewer / Less

Fewer: Things that can be counted.

Less: Things that cannot be counted (quantities, amounts).

Historic / Historical

Historic: Significant in history.

Historical: Relating to history.

Use “a” (not “an”) before both.

Imply / Infer

Imply: To suggest (speaker/writer does this).

Infer: To conclude (listener/reader does this).

Its / It’s

Its: Possessive.

It’s: Contraction of “it is” or “it has.”

Lay / Lie

Lay: To put or place (transitive—requires an object).

Lie: To recline (intransitive—no object).

Lead / Led

Lead: Present tense verb; the metal.

Led: Past tense of “lead.”

Lose / Loose

Lose: To misplace, fail to win.

Loose: Not tight.

Principal / Principle

Principal: Main, chief; head of a school; amount of money.

Principle: A fundamental truth or belief.

Stationary / Stationery

Stationary: Not moving.

Stationery: Writing paper.

Than / Then

Than: Comparison.

Then: Time, sequence.

That / Which

That: Introduces essential (restrictive) clauses.

Which: Introduces nonessential (nonrestrictive) clauses, set off by commas.

Their / There / They’re

Their: Possessive.

There: Location; introductory word.

They’re: Contraction of “they are.”

To / Too / Two

To: Direction; infinitive.

Too: Also; excessively.

Two: The number.

Who / Whom

Who: Subject.

Whom: Object.

Test: Substitute he/she or him/her. If “him” sounds right, use “whom.”

Who’s / Whose

Who’s: Contraction of “who is” or “who has.”

Whose: Possessive.

Your / You’re

Your: Possessive.

You’re: Contraction of “you are.”

Usage Preferences

A / An

Use “a” before words beginning with consonant sounds. Use “an” before words beginning with vowel sounds.

Examples:

Active vs. Passive Voice

Prefer active voice. It’s clearer and more direct.

Active: The committee approved the budget. Passive: The budget was approved by the committee.

Use passive when:

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (team, committee, company, jury) take singular verbs and pronouns when acting as a unit.

Examples:

Use plural when members act individually.

Data

“Data” is a plural noun (singular: datum), but singular use is increasingly accepted.

Formal: The data show a trend. Acceptable: The data shows a trend.

Be consistent within a story.

None

“None” can be singular or plural depending on meaning.

Singular (not one):

Plural (not any):

Over / More Than

Both are acceptable for numerical comparisons.

Both correct:

Since / Because

“Since” is acceptable for “because,” but use “because” if “since” could be confused with time.

Clear: Since he was tired, he went to bed. (because) Ambiguous: He has changed since he became CEO. (time or cause?)

That / Who

Use “who” for people and animals with names. Use “that” for inanimate objects and animals without names.

Examples:

Toward / Towards

Use “toward” (American English).

Correct: She walked toward the door. Avoid: She walked towards the door.

Similarly: backward, forward, upward (not backwards, forwards, upwards).

Spelling Preferences

-ize vs. -ise

American English prefers -ize:

-or vs. -our

American English uses -or:

-er vs. -re

American English uses -er:

Double Consonants

Travel: traveled, traveling, traveler (single l in American English) Cancel: canceled, canceling (single l) Model: modeled, modeling (single l) Focus: focused, focusing (single s) Bias: biased, biasing (single s)

Common Misspellings

Correct Incorrect
accommodate accomodate
commitment committment
consensus concensus
definitely definately
desperate desparate
embarrass embarass
existence existance
February Febuary
fiery firey
government goverment
harass harrass
independent independant
judgment judgement
liaison liason
lightning lightening
maintenance maintainance
millennium millenium
necessary neccessary
occurred occured
parallel paralell
personnel personel
possession posession
privilege priviledge
publicly publically
receive recieve
recommend reccommend
rhythm rythm
separate seperate
supersede supercede
until untill
weird wierd

Words to Avoid

Overused, Vague, or Clichéd

Avoid Use Instead
at this point in time now, currently
back in the day in the past, then
basically [delete or be specific]
dialogue (as verb) discuss, talk
iconic [be specific about significance]
impact (as verb) affect
in order to to
in terms of regarding, for
leverage (as verb) use
literally [use only for literal meaning]
LOL [avoid in news writing]
moving forward in the future
on a daily basis daily
parameter limit, factor
reach out contact, call, email
robust strong, healthy
synergy cooperation
take to social media post on social media
that being said however
the fact that that
touch base contact, meet
utilize use
very unique unique
viral widely shared

Redundancies

Redundant Use
12 noon noon
12 midnight midnight
advance planning planning
armed gunman gunman
basic fundamentals fundamentals
brief summary summary
close proximity near, proximity
completely destroyed destroyed
consensus of opinion consensus
continue to remain remain
end result result
free gift gift
future plans plans
general public public
join together join
new innovation innovation
past history history
personal opinion opinion
reason is because reason is that
return back return
true fact fact
unexpected surprise surprise
whether or not whether

Part 8: Race, Identity, and Sensitivity

Race and Ethnicity

General Principles

Black / African American

Capitalize “Black” when referring to people as a race or ethnicity.

Examples:

“African American” is acceptable but not all Black people identify as African American.

When possible, use the specific term a person prefers.

White

AP capitalizes “Black” but lowercases “white” because “white” doesn’t represent a shared culture and history the way “Black” does.

Example:

Some publications capitalize “White.” Follow your organization’s style.

Asian American / Pacific Islander

Use “Asian American” (no hyphen) for people of Asian descent in the U.S.

Be as specific as possible: Chinese American, Korean American, Filipino American.

“Pacific Islander” is preferred to “Asian Pacific Islander” for people from Pacific Island nations.

Hispanic / Latino / Latina / Latinx

Hispanic: People from Spanish-speaking countries (includes Spain). Latino/Latina: People of Latin American origin or descent (gender-specific). Latinx: Gender-neutral alternative (not universally accepted). Latine: Another gender-neutral option.

Use the term the individual prefers. If unknown, “Hispanic” or “Latino/Latina” are widely accepted.

Native Americans, Indigenous peoples

Per AP Stylebook 58th edition (2026), Native American / Indigenous identity is treated as a top-level entry distinct from race-related coverage. This identity reaches beyond race into the sovereignty and self-determination of tribal nations and their citizens. Treat references with that broader framing—not as a purely racial designation.

Terms. “Native American,” “Indigenous,” and “American Indian” are all acceptable. Individuals, communities, and tribal nations have preferences; defer to the person, community, or tribal nation referenced when known.

Capitalization. Capitalize “Indigenous” when referring to original inhabitants of a place or to people in a cultural/political sense.

Identification. When possible, identify by tribal affiliation:

Sovereignty framing. Tribal nations are sovereign political entities; their citizens are citizens of those nations. Note this framing when relevant to the story—treaty rights, jurisdiction, federal recognition, land use, citizenship status. Avoid framing tribal nations as solely a racial or ethnic grouping when sovereignty is at issue.

Biracial / Multiracial

Use terms people use for themselves.

Examples:

Racial Slurs

Do not use racial slurs in news copy unless absolutely essential to the story, and then only in direct quotes with context. Consult editors.

Nationality vs. Ethnicity

Distinguish between nationality (country of citizenship) and ethnicity (cultural heritage).

Example:

Gender and Sexual Orientation

Gender-Neutral Language

Use gender-neutral terms when possible.

Instead of Use
chairman chair, chairperson
congressman member of Congress, representative
fireman firefighter
mankind humanity, people
policeman police officer
spokesman spokesperson
stewardess flight attendant

They/Them as Singular

“They/them” is acceptable as a singular pronoun for people who identify as nonbinary or when gender is unknown.

Examples:

On first reference, clarify: “Alex Smith, who uses they/them pronouns, said…”

LGBTQ+

LGBTQ: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning. The “+” encompasses other identities.

Terms:

Avoid:

Deadnaming

Do not use a transgender person’s birth name (“deadname”) unless relevant to the story and the person consents. Use current name and pronouns.

Same-Sex Marriage

Use “marriage” or “same-sex marriage,” not “gay marriage.”

Disability

General Principles

Person-First Language

Use:

Avoid:

Identity-First Exceptions

Some communities prefer identity-first language:

Follow the individual’s preference.

Specific Terms

Avoid:

Use:

Mental Health

Avoid:

Use:

Age

Specific Ages

Always use numerals for ages.

Examples:

Avoid:

Use:

Ageism

Avoid patronizing language or assumptions about capabilities based on age.

Socioeconomic Status

Avoid Stigmatizing Language

Avoid Use
the homeless people who are homeless, unhoused people
the poor people living in poverty
illegal immigrant undocumented immigrant
welfare recipient person receiving government assistance
at-risk [be specific about what risks]
inner city urban, [name the neighborhood]
ghetto, slum low-income neighborhood

Immigration

Avoid:

Use:

“Illegal” describes actions, not people.

Part 9: Legal and Court Terminology

Court Names

Federal Courts

U.S. Supreme Court:

U.S. Courts of Appeals (circuit courts):

U.S. District Courts:

State Courts

State supreme courts:

Lower state courts:

Capitalization

Capitalize “Court” when referring to the U.S. Supreme Court in all subsequent references. Lowercase “court” for other courts on subsequent reference.

Criminal Justice

Stages of a Case

Arrest: Police take someone into custody. Charge: Formal accusation by prosecution. Arraignment: Defendant appears, enters plea. Indictment: Formal charge by grand jury. Trial: Evidence presented to judge or jury. Verdict: Decision of guilt or innocence. Sentence: Punishment imposed. Appeal: Request for higher court review.

Terminology

Accused / Alleged: Use “accused” or “alleged” until conviction.

After conviction: the robber, the killer (no “alleged”).

Convict / Inmate / Prisoner:

Jury terms:

Verdicts:

Sentences:

Crime Terms

Homicide: Killing of one person by another (not necessarily criminal). Murder: Unlawful killing with intent. Manslaughter: Unlawful killing without premeditation.

Assault / Battery:

Burglary / Robbery:

Felony / Misdemeanor:

Cautions

Civil Matters

Lawsuits

Terminology:

Actions:

Reporting Civil Matters

Privacy Considerations

Juveniles

Do not identify juveniles accused or convicted of crimes unless:

Sexual Assault Victims

Do not identify sexual assault victims without their consent.

Sealed Records

Do not publish information from sealed court records.

Part 10: Sports

Scores

Format

Use numerals and hyphens.

Examples:

Within a Sentence

Records

Team Records

Use wins-losses-ties format.

Examples:

Individual Records

Statistics

Baseball

Basketball

Football

Golf

Hockey

Soccer

Team Names

Plural vs. Singular

Most team names are plural and take plural verbs.

Plural:

Singular (collective names):

Location and Nickname

First reference: city and nickname. Subsequent: nickname alone.

Examples:

Relocation

Use current city for current references. Use historical city for historical events.

Example:

Common Sports Terms

Baseball

Football

Basketball

Hockey

Soccer

Golf

Tennis

Part 11: Business and Finance

Company Names

First Reference

Use the full company name on first reference.

Examples:

Subsequent Reference

Use shortened forms.

Examples:

Inc., Corp., Co., Ltd.

Follow the company’s legal designation. These may be abbreviated and do not require a comma before them.

Examples:

“The” in Company Names

Do not capitalize “the” in company names unless it’s part of the formal name (rare).

Examples:

Subsidiaries and Divisions

Identify parent company when relevant.

Example:

Financial Terms

Stock Markets

Stock Prices

Earnings

Example:

Financial Ratios

Mergers and Acquisitions

Bankruptcy

Terms to Define for General Audiences

Term Definition
bond debt security; loan to government or company
dividend payment to shareholders
IPO initial public offering; first sale of stock to public
mutual fund pool of stocks/bonds managed professionally
recession economic decline; technically two consecutive quarters of GDP decline
GDP gross domestic product; total value of goods/services produced

Currency

U.S. Currency

Use the dollar sign and numerals.

Examples:

Foreign Currency

Identify on first reference.

Examples:

On subsequent reference in the same context:

Exchange Rates

When relevant, include approximate U.S. dollar equivalent.

Part 12: Weather

Temperature

Format

Use numerals with “degrees.”

Examples:

Fahrenheit vs. Celsius

Use Fahrenheit for U.S. audiences. Include Celsius when relevant (international stories, scientific contexts).

Example:

Wind

Speed

Use numerals with “mph.”

Examples:

Direction

Lowercase compass directions.

Examples:

Precipitation

Rain

Snow

Severe Weather

Watch vs. Warning:

Storm Names

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

The National Hurricane Center names storms. Use the name on subsequent reference.

First reference:

Subsequent:

Retired Names

Particularly deadly or costly storms have their names retired.

Climate and Weather Terminology

Specific Terms

Avoiding Imprecision

Be specific about:

Vague: Temperatures are rising. Better: Global average temperatures have risen 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, according to NASA.

Part 13: Health and Medicine

Medical Terms

Diseases and Conditions

Lowercase disease names unless they contain a proper noun.

Lowercase:

Capitalize proper nouns:

COVID-19

Drug Names

Generic names: lowercase

Brand names: capitalize

On first reference, include both when relevant:

Medical Titles

Use Dr. on first reference for:

Do not use Dr. for:

Studies and Research

Be cautious:

Example:

Death and Illness

Cause of Death

Report when known and appropriate.

Examples:

Suicide

Include resources when covering suicide:

Sensitive Health Conditions

Part 14: Science and Technology

Scientific Terms

Organisms

Scientific names:

Common names:

Measurements

Metric vs. Imperial:

Example:

Space

Technology Terms

Common terms:

Capitalized (trademarks):

AI and Computing Terms

The following terms entered standard usage with AP Stylebook 58th edition (2026). McClatchy style preferences below are derived from AP guidance, encoded as actionable rules.

AI agent

AI chips

AI model

AI slop

compute (noun)

data center

vibe coding

Part 15: Religion

Religious Texts

Major Texts

Do not put quotation marks around titles of religious texts.

Books of the Bible

Capitalize and do not use quotation marks.

Examples:

Citations: John 3:16

Religious Figures

Titles

Capitalize before names:

Lowercase standing alone:

Deity References

Capitalize names of deities and religious figures.

Examples:

Lowercase pronouns referring to deities: he, him, his.

Denominations and Groups

Christianity

Islam

Judaism

Other Religions

Religious Terms

Mass and Services

Holidays

Capitalize religious holidays:

Part 16: Elections and Politics

Candidates and Officials

Titles

Before election:

After election:

Party Identification

Include party and state on first reference.

Examples:

Voting and Results

Terms

Reporting Results

Be precise:

Avoid:

Vote Counts

Use numerals.

Examples:

Political Terms

Government Bodies

Positions

Laws and Bills

Capitalize formal names:

Lowercase informal references:

Part 17: Military

Ranks

See the Abbreviations section for rank abbreviations.

First Reference

Use rank and full name.

Example:

Subsequent Reference

Use last name only (no rank).

Example:

Retired Officers

Units and Branches

U.S. Military Branches

Units

Capitalize formal names; lowercase generic references.

Military Actions

Terms

Reporting Conflicts

Part 18: Food and Dining

Measurements

Recipe Format

Use numerals.

Examples:

Abbreviations

Term Abbreviation
teaspoon tsp.
tablespoon tbsp.
cup c.
ounce oz.
pound lb.

Use abbreviations in recipes; spell out in running text.

Cuisine and Dishes

Capitalization

Capitalize proper nouns; lowercase generic terms.

Capitalize:

Lowercase:

Restaurant Coverage

Part 19: Environment and Energy

Climate Terminology

Climate Change vs. Global Warming

Attribution

When discussing causes:

Energy Terms

Types of Energy

Measurements

Environmental Terms

Pollution

Conservation

Part 20: Transportation

Vehicles

Cars and Trucks

Aircraft

Ships

Traffic and Accidents

Terms

Reporting

Part 21: Headlines and Captions

Headlines

Capitalization

For most newspapers and AP, headlines use sentence case (capitalize first word and proper nouns only) or headline case (capitalize principal words). Follow your publication’s style.

Verb Tense

Use present tense for current events.

Example:

Use infinitives for future events.

Example:

Abbreviations

Abbreviations acceptable in headlines if well-known.

Examples:

Numbers

Numerals are generally preferred in headlines.

Example:

Punctuation

Example:

Captions

Format

Captions describe the image and provide context.

Structure:

  1. Describe what’s in the photo.
  2. Identify people (usually left to right).
  3. Provide context, date, location.

Verb Tense

Use present tense to describe action in the photo.

Example:

Credit Lines

Include photographer credit per your publication’s style.

Example:

Part 22: Datelines

Format

Dateline format: CITY—story begins here.

Example:

When to Use

Use datelines for stories filed from locations other than where the publication is based.

Do not use datelines for:

Cities That Stand Alone

Major world cities do not require a country or state:

U.S. cities: ATLANTA, BALTIMORE, BOSTON, CHICAGO, CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND, DALLAS, DENVER, DETROIT, HONOLULU, HOUSTON, INDIANAPOLIS, LAS VEGAS, LOS ANGELES, MIAMI, MILWAUKEE, MINNEAPOLIS, NEW ORLEANS, NEW YORK, OKLAHOMA CITY, PHILADELPHIA, PHOENIX, PITTSBURGH, ST. LOUIS, SALT LAKE CITY, SAN ANTONIO, SAN DIEGO, SAN FRANCISCO, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

International cities: AMSTERDAM, ATHENS, BAGHDAD, BANGKOK, BEIJING, BEIRUT, BERLIN, BRUSSELS, CAIRO, DUBLIN, GENEVA, GUATEMALA CITY, HAVANA, HELSINKI, HONG KONG, ISLAMABAD, ISTANBUL, JERUSALEM, JOHANNESBURG, KIEV, KUALA LUMPUR, LIMA, LISBON, LONDON, LUXEMBOURG, MADRID, MEXICO CITY, MILAN, MONACO, MONTREAL, MOSCOW, MUNICH, NEW DELHI, OSLO, OTTAWA, PANAMA CITY, PARIS, PRAGUE, QUEBEC CITY, RIO DE JANEIRO, ROME, SAN SALVADOR, SANTIAGO, SAO PAULO, SEOUL, SINGAPORE, STOCKHOLM, SYDNEY, TAIPEI, TEHRAN, TOKYO, TORONTO, TUNIS, VANCOUVER, VATICAN CITY, VIENNA, WARSAW, ZURICH

Cities Requiring State Names

U.S. cities not on the stand-alone list require the state name.

Example:

International Datelines

Cities not on the stand-alone list require the country.

Example:

Appendices

Appendix A: Commonly Misspelled Words

A-D

E-K

L-R

S-Z

Appendix B: Redundancies to Avoid

Redundant Phrase Preferred
12 midnight midnight
12 noon noon
absolutely essential essential
added bonus bonus
advance planning planning
armed gunman gunman
at this point in time now
ATM machine ATM
basic fundamentals fundamentals
brief moment moment
burning fire fire
close proximity near
completely destroyed destroyed
consensus of opinion consensus
continue to remain remain
end result result
entirely eliminated eliminated
exact same same
final outcome outcome
first began began
foreign imports imports
free gift gift
future plans plans
general public public
HIV virus HIV
invited guests guests
join together join
local resident resident
natural instinct instinct
new innovation innovation
old adage adage
overexaggerate exaggerate
past history history
personal opinion opinion
PIN number PIN
plan ahead plan
pre-recorded recorded
reason why reason
refer back refer
regular routine routine
repeat again repeat
revert back revert
serious danger danger
sudden impulse impulse
sum total total
surrounded on all sides surrounded
unexpected surprise surprise
unsolved mystery mystery
usual custom custom
various different various

Appendix C: Clichés to Avoid

Avoid These Phrases

Appendix D: Problematic Phrases

Consider Alternatives

Instead of Consider
accident (when fault is known) crash, collision
admit (implies guilt) said, acknowledged
allegedly (doesn’t protect against libel) police said, according to charges
at this moment now
claimed (implies doubt) said
collided with (implies both at fault) struck, hit
controversial [describe the controversy]
died of natural causes [specify if known]
disclosed (implies secrecy) said, announced
fled on foot ran
informed sources [be more specific]
kept mum did not comment
penned wrote
proactive [be specific]
refute (means disprove) deny, dispute
slam, blast (for criticism) criticize
spiraling out of control [describe specifically]
take to Twitter post on Twitter
transpired happened
very unique unique

Appendix E: Tricky Plurals

Standard Plurals

Singular Plural
appendix appendixes or appendices
criterion criteria
datum data (singular usage now common)
formula formulas
index indexes or indices
medium media (for communication); mediums (spiritualists)
memorandum memorandums or memoranda
phenomenon phenomena
referendum referendums
stadium stadiums
stimulus stimuli
syllabus syllabi or syllabuses

Unchanged Plurals

Singular/Plural
aircraft
deer
fish
moose
salmon
series
sheep
species
trout

Compound Plurals

Singular Plural
attorney general attorneys general
court-martial courts-martial
daughter-in-law daughters-in-law
editor in chief editors in chief
maid of honor maids of honor
man-of-war men-of-war
notary public notaries public
passer-by passers-by
runner-up runners-up
sister-in-law sisters-in-law