Grammar and SpellingGrammar and SpellingDetails, detailsDetails, details

Preferred spellingsPreferred spellings

AdviserAdviser Afterward (not Afterward (not

afterwards)afterwards) All right (never alright)All right (never alright) AxAx Baby-sit, baby-sitting, Baby-sit, baby-sitting,

baby sitterbaby sitter Backward (not Backward (not

backwards)backwards)

Damage (for Damage (for destruction); damages destruction); damages (for court awards)(for court awards)

EmployeeEmployee Forward (not forwards)Forward (not forwards) GoodbyeGoodbye Gray (not grey)Gray (not grey) Kidnap, kidnapped, Kidnap, kidnapped,

kidnapper, kidnappingkidnapper, kidnapping

Likable (not likeable)Likable (not likeable) Percent (one word, Percent (one word,

spelled out)spelled out) Teen, teenager, teenage Teen, teenager, teenage

(do not use teenaged)(do not use teenaged) Vice president (no Vice president (no

hyphen)hyphen) Whiskey, whiskeysWhiskey, whiskeys

Preferred spellings for Preferred spellings for broadcast copybroadcast copy

Babysitter (one word)Babysitter (one word) Teen, teen-ager, teen-ageTeen, teen-ager, teen-age

PunctuationPunctuation

Comma/agesComma/ages

Use commas to separate a person’s age Use commas to separate a person’s age from his or her name.from his or her name. Artie Shaw, 94, died Wednesday.Artie Shaw, 94, died Wednesday.

Comma/state namesComma/state names

Use commas to separate the name of a Use commas to separate the name of a state from the name of a city. Use state from the name of a city. Use commas before and after the state name commas before and after the state name unless it ends the sentence.unless it ends the sentence. The bus traveled from Cairo, Ill., to Knoxville, The bus traveled from Cairo, Ill., to Knoxville,

Tenn.Tenn.

Comma/hometownsComma/hometowns

Use commas to set off a person’s Use commas to set off a person’s hometown when it is placed in apposition hometown when it is placed in apposition to the name.to the name. Mary Richards, of Minneapolis, and Maude Mary Richards, of Minneapolis, and Maude

Findlay, of Tuckahoe, N.Y., attended the Findlay, of Tuckahoe, N.Y., attended the ceremony.ceremony.

Comma/quotationsComma/quotations Use a comma after the attribution to Use a comma after the attribution to

introduce a one-sentence quotation.introduce a one-sentence quotation. She said, “The city has overspent its She said, “The city has overspent its

budget.”budget.” When the attribution follows the When the attribution follows the

quotation, replace the period at the end quotation, replace the period at the end of the quotation with a comma.of the quotation with a comma. ““The city has overspent its budget,” she The city has overspent its budget,” she

said.said.

Use commas before and after Use commas before and after attribution that is in the middle of a attribution that is in the middle of a quotation.quotation. ““Before the start of the war,” the senator Before the start of the war,” the senator

said, “the United States should have said, “the United States should have planned to fight insurgents.”planned to fight insurgents.”

Always place commas and periods Always place commas and periods inside quotation marks.inside quotation marks.

Use commas to set off attribution at the Use commas to set off attribution at the end or in the middle of an indirect end or in the middle of an indirect quotation.quotation. The war plans were inadequate, he said.The war plans were inadequate, he said. The time has come, the president said, to The time has come, the president said, to

engage in direct negotiations.engage in direct negotiations.

Do not use a comma with indirect or Do not use a comma with indirect or partial quotations that start with the partial quotations that start with the attribution.attribution. Tucker said the plane was low on fuel.Tucker said the plane was low on fuel.

Comma/seriesComma/series

Use commas to separate elements in a Use commas to separate elements in a series. Do not put a comma before the series. Do not put a comma before the conjunction in a simple series.conjunction in a simple series. The players’ jerseys are purple, yellow and The players’ jerseys are purple, yellow and

white.white.

Comma/appositivesComma/appositives An appositive is a word or expression An appositive is a word or expression

placed beside another in order to explain placed beside another in order to explain or elaborate on the other word or or elaborate on the other word or expression.expression.

Appositives should have commas before Appositives should have commas before and after them, unless they come at the and after them, unless they come at the end of a sentence.end of a sentence. Bill Smith, the leadoff batter, struck out.Bill Smith, the leadoff batter, struck out. The letter came from Jane Mitchell, the state The letter came from Jane Mitchell, the state

treasurer.treasurer.

Colon/listsColon/lists

The most frequent use of the colon is at The most frequent use of the colon is at the end of a sentence to introduce a list, the end of a sentence to introduce a list, tabulation or text.tabulation or text. There were three considerations: expense, There were three considerations: expense,

time and feasibility.time and feasibility.

Colon/quotationsColon/quotations

Use a colon after the attribution to Use a colon after the attribution to introduce a quotation of more than one introduce a quotation of more than one sentence.sentence. The prosecutor said: “The gunman The prosecutor said: “The gunman

showed no mercy. He shot both victims showed no mercy. He shot both victims as they begged for their lives.”as they begged for their lives.”

PossessivesPossessives For common or proper nouns, singular For common or proper nouns, singular

or plural, that do not end in or plural, that do not end in ss, add an , add an apostrophe and an apostrophe and an ss. (John’s house). (John’s house)

For singular common nouns that end in For singular common nouns that end in ss, add an apostrophe and an , add an apostrophe and an ss, unless , unless the next word begins with an the next word begins with an ss. (boss’s . (boss’s house) (boss’ swing)house) (boss’ swing)

Singular common or proper nouns that Singular common or proper nouns that end in end in cece, , zz or or xx, add an apostrophe , add an apostrophe and an and an ss. (Rance’s house, Chaz’s car . (Rance’s house, Chaz’s car and Boudreaux’s restaurant.and Boudreaux’s restaurant.

For singular proper nouns that end in For singular proper nouns that end in ss, , add only an apostrophe. (Tess’ comb)add only an apostrophe. (Tess’ comb)

For plural common or proper nouns ending For plural common or proper nouns ending in in ss, add only an apostrophe. (Jones’ car), add only an apostrophe. (Jones’ car)

See Appendix C of “Reporting for the See Appendix C of “Reporting for the Media” for more rules and examples.Media” for more rules and examples.

SemicolonSemicolon Use semicolons to separate elements in a Use semicolons to separate elements in a

series where one or more of the elements has series where one or more of the elements has internal punctuation.internal punctuation. He leaves three daughters, Jane Smith of Wichita, He leaves three daughters, Jane Smith of Wichita,

Kan., Mary Smith of Denver and Susan Kingsbury Kan., Mary Smith of Denver and Susan Kingsbury of Boston; a son, John Smith of Chicago; and a of Boston; a son, John Smith of Chicago; and a sister, Martha Warren of Omaha, Neb.sister, Martha Warren of Omaha, Neb.

Note that a semicolon is used before the final Note that a semicolon is used before the final element in the series.element in the series.

Punctuation for Punctuation for broadcast copybroadcast copy

In generalIn general

Punctuation should help a newscaster Punctuation should help a newscaster understand and read a story.understand and read a story.

Most of the rules for punctuating print copy Most of the rules for punctuating print copy apply to broadcast copyapply to broadcast copy

Comma/ages and hometownsComma/ages and hometowns

Do not use commas to set off ages and Do not use commas to set off ages and hometowns from names. Instead, put ages hometowns from names. Instead, put ages and hometowns in separate sentences.and hometowns in separate sentences. The governor has appointed James Burns to The governor has appointed James Burns to

lead the Economic Development Department. lead the Economic Development Department. He is a 48-year-old banker from Pleasanton.He is a 48-year-old banker from Pleasanton.

Commas/quotationsCommas/quotations Avoid direct quotations in stories. Use Avoid direct quotations in stories. Use

paraphrases or tape instead.paraphrases or tape instead. Where a direct quotation is central to a Where a direct quotation is central to a

story, punctuate it as for print, but use a story, punctuate it as for print, but use a phrase that would make clear to listeners phrase that would make clear to listeners the words are those of the source, not of the words are those of the source, not of the reporter.the reporter. In the president’s words, “He can run, but In the president’s words, “He can run, but

he can’t hide.”he can’t hide.”

CapitalizationCapitalization

The Mathematics Department voted for The Mathematics Department voted for the curriculum change, but the English the curriculum change, but the English Department opposed it.Department opposed it.

The mathematics department voted for the The mathematics department voted for the curriculum change, but the English curriculum change, but the English department opposed it.department opposed it.

The medal of honor was awarded to 1,522 The medal of honor was awarded to 1,522 servicemen from the civil war, but only 464 servicemen from the civil war, but only 464 received the award during world war two.received the award during world war two.

The Medal of Honor was awarded to 1,522 The Medal of Honor was awarded to 1,522 servicemen from the Civil War, but only servicemen from the Civil War, but only 464 received the award during World War 464 received the award during World War II.II.

Many American holidays, like memorial Many American holidays, like memorial day and labor day, are on Mondays.day and labor day, are on Mondays.

Many American holidays, like Memorial Many American holidays, like Memorial Day and Labor Day, are on Mondays.Day and Labor Day, are on Mondays.

Although the Constitution allows Although the Constitution allows references to god in such things as the references to god in such things as the pledge of allegiance, it does not allow pledge of allegiance, it does not allow public schools to require students to read public schools to require students to read the bible.the bible.

Although the Constitution allows Although the Constitution allows references to God in such things as the references to God in such things as the Pledge of Allegiance, it does not allow Pledge of Allegiance, it does not allow public schools to require students to read public schools to require students to read the Bible.the Bible.

He saw two cans of coke in the cup He saw two cans of coke in the cup holders of the pontiac, but there was only holders of the pontiac, but there was only a box of kleenex on the seat of the Truck.a box of kleenex on the seat of the Truck.

He saw two cans of Coke in the cup He saw two cans of Coke in the cup holders of the Pontiac, but there was only holders of the Pontiac, but there was only a box of Kleenex on the seat of the truck.a box of Kleenex on the seat of the truck.

Although it is not as tall as other Buildings, Although it is not as tall as other Buildings, many people admire the Art Deco style of many people admire the Art Deco style of the Chrysler building.the Chrysler building.

Although it is not as tall as other buildings, Although it is not as tall as other buildings, many people admire the Art Deco style of many people admire the Art Deco style of the Chrysler Building.the Chrysler Building.

If you want to rent the grand ballroom, If you want to rent the grand ballroom, speak to the reservations clerk in room speak to the reservations clerk in room 310.310.

If you want to rent the Grand Ballroom, If you want to rent the Grand Ballroom, speak to the reservations clerk in Room speak to the reservations clerk in Room 310.310.

Thousands of tourists visit the capitol Thousands of tourists visit the capitol every year to see where congress holds every year to see where congress holds its sessions. Many also visit the capitol in its sessions. Many also visit the capitol in Richmond to see where the Virginia Richmond to see where the Virginia general assembly sits.general assembly sits.

Thousands of tourists visit the Capitol Thousands of tourists visit the Capitol every year to see where Congress holds every year to see where Congress holds its sessions. Many also visit the Capitol in its sessions. Many also visit the Capitol in Richmond to see where the Virginia Richmond to see where the Virginia General Assembly sits.General Assembly sits.

According to the congressional record, According to the congressional record, 335 members of the house voted for the 335 members of the house voted for the resolution, but only 42 members of the resolution, but only 42 members of the senate supported it.senate supported it.

According to the Congressional Record, According to the Congressional Record, 335 members of the House voted for the 335 members of the House voted for the resolution, but only 42 members of the resolution, but only 42 members of the Senate supported it.Senate supported it.

The first amendment to the constitution The first amendment to the constitution guarantees Freedom of the Press, but guarantees Freedom of the Press, but courts have held libel suits against the courts have held libel suits against the media are Constitutional.media are Constitutional.

The First Amendment to the Constitution The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, but guarantees freedom of the press, but courts have held libel suits against the courts have held libel suits against the media are constitutional.media are constitutional.

From southern California, they traveled From southern California, they traveled Northeast until they reached the great Northeast until they reached the great plains and then headed South for the gulf plains and then headed South for the gulf coast.coast.

From Southern California, they traveled From Southern California, they traveled northeast until they reached the Great northeast until they reached the Great Plains and then headed south for the Gulf Plains and then headed south for the Gulf Coast.Coast.

A Presidential order set an Administration A Presidential order set an Administration policy of increasing traffic on the policy of increasing traffic on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

A presidential order set an administration A presidential order set an administration policy of increasing traffic on the policy of increasing traffic on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

Construction crews moved thousands of Construction crews moved thousands of tons of Earth to construct the bunkers from tons of Earth to construct the bunkers from which spectators could watch the which spectators could watch the spacecraft begin its journey from earth to spacecraft begin its journey from earth to Mars.Mars.

Construction crews moved thousands of Construction crews moved thousands of tons of earth to construct the bunkers from tons of earth to construct the bunkers from which spectators could watch the which spectators could watch the spacecraft begin its journey from Earth to spacecraft begin its journey from Earth to Mars.Mars.

The state patrol agreed to send The state patrol agreed to send investigators to help the Lewistown city investigators to help the Lewistown city police solve the double homicide.police solve the double homicide.

The State Patrol agreed to send The State Patrol agreed to send investigators to help the Lewistown City investigators to help the Lewistown City Police solve the double homicide.Police solve the double homicide.

The two cars collided at the intersection of The two cars collided at the intersection of United States highway 40 and state route United States highway 40 and state route seven, five miles South of I-44.seven, five miles South of I-44.

The two cars collided at the intersection of The two cars collided at the intersection of U.S. 40 and state Route 7, just five miles U.S. 40 and state Route 7, just five miles south of Interstate 44.south of Interstate 44.

The joint amphibious assault exercise will The joint amphibious assault exercise will involve troops from the British Army, the involve troops from the British Army, the French Army and the United States army French Army and the United States army and marines, with the US navy providing and marines, with the US navy providing transportation.transportation.

The joint amphibious assault exercise will The joint amphibious assault exercise will involve troops from the British army, the involve troops from the British army, the French army and the U.S. Army and French army and the U.S. Army and Marines, with the U.S. Navy providing Marines, with the U.S. Navy providing transportation.transportation.

““We’re an equal opportunity bank. It We’re an equal opportunity bank. It makes no difference to us whether a makes no difference to us whether a customer is Black, White, arab or customer is Black, White, arab or chinese,” said Harriet Smith, the black vice chinese,” said Harriet Smith, the black vice president of the bank.president of the bank.

““We’re an equal opportunity bank. It We’re an equal opportunity bank. It makes no difference to us whether a makes no difference to us whether a customer is black, white, Arab or customer is black, white, Arab or Chinese,” said Harriet Smith, the vice Chinese,” said Harriet Smith, the vice president of the bank.president of the bank.

In the 1920’s, it was enough for most In the 1920’s, it was enough for most students to learn their ABC’s and to mind students to learn their ABC’s and to mind their ps and qs, but by the 50’s students their ps and qs, but by the 50’s students needed more skills.needed more skills.

In the 1920s, it was enough for most In the 1920s, it was enough for most students to learn their ABCs and to mind students to learn their ABCs and to mind their p’s and q’s, but by the ‘50s students their p’s and q’s, but by the ‘50s students needed more skills.needed more skills.

The candidate is not a member of the The candidate is not a member of the Republican party or of the Democratic Republican party or of the Democratic party. She says she belongs to the party. She says she belongs to the libertarian party, but her ideas are more libertarian party, but her ideas are more Socialistic.Socialistic.

The candidate is not a member of the The candidate is not a member of the Republican Party or of the Democratic Republican Party or of the Democratic Party. She says she belongs to the Party. She says she belongs to the Libertarian Party, but her ideas are more Libertarian Party, but her ideas are more socialistic.socialistic.

Sen. Susan Collins, r-Me., and Rep. Mike Sen. Susan Collins, r-Me., and Rep. Mike Ross, d-Arkansas, have agreed to Ross, d-Arkansas, have agreed to cosponsor the bill.cosponsor the bill.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Rep. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., have agreed to Mike Ross, D-Ark., have agreed to cosponsor the bill.cosponsor the bill.

The rockies and the appalachians are the The rockies and the appalachians are the two major Mountain Ranges in North two major Mountain Ranges in North America, but neither has peaks as high as America, but neither has peaks as high as those in the Himalayan mountains in asia.those in the Himalayan mountains in asia.

The Rockies and the Appalachians are the The Rockies and the Appalachians are the two major mountain ranges in North two major mountain ranges in North America, but neither has peaks as high as America, but neither has peaks as high as those in the Himalayan Mountains in Asia.those in the Himalayan Mountains in Asia.

““The people of some countries may call The people of some countries may call the United States the ‘great satan,’ but it is the United States the ‘great satan,’ but it is the international terrorists who are truly the international terrorists who are truly Satanic,” the ambassador said.Satanic,” the ambassador said.

““The people of some countries may call The people of some countries may call the United States the ‘great Satan,’ but it is the United States the ‘great Satan,’ but it is the international terrorists who are truly the international terrorists who are truly satanic,” the ambassador said.satanic,” the ambassador said.

The introduction of Astronaut Tom Leffler The introduction of Astronaut Tom Leffler was made by mayor Anne Swenson and was made by mayor Anne Swenson and Herbert Williamson, the Governor.Herbert Williamson, the Governor.

The introduction of astronaut Tom Leffler The introduction of astronaut Tom Leffler was made by Mayor Anne Swenson and was made by Mayor Anne Swenson and Herbert Williamson, the governor.Herbert Williamson, the governor.

Capitalization in Capitalization in Broadcast CopyBroadcast Copy

The U.S. Department of Defense and the The U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are U.S. Department of Agriculture are cooperating on a program to protect crops cooperating on a program to protect crops and livestock from terrorist attacks.and livestock from terrorist attacks.

The U-S Defense and Agriculture The U-S Defense and Agriculture departments are cooperating on a departments are cooperating on a program to protect crops and livestock program to protect crops and livestock from terrorist attacks.from terrorist attacks.

CapitalizationCapitalization

In generalIn general

Do not capitalize words unnecessarily.Do not capitalize words unnecessarily. Use capital letters only as required by the Use capital letters only as required by the

rules summarized here or in the AP rules summarized here or in the AP Stylebook.Stylebook.

Academic departmentsAcademic departments

Use lowercase except for proper nouns Use lowercase except for proper nouns that are part of a department’s name.that are part of a department’s name. the history departmentthe history department the department of historythe department of history the English departmentthe English department the department of Englishthe department of English

Awards/events/holidays/warsAwards/events/holidays/wars Capitalize awards.Capitalize awards.

Medal of HonorMedal of Honor Capitalize historic events and periods.Capitalize historic events and periods.

the San Francisco Earthquake; the Great the San Francisco Earthquake; the Great DepressionDepression

Capitalize holidays.Capitalize holidays. Thanksgiving DayThanksgiving Day

Capitalize warsCapitalize wars The Civil War; World War IIThe Civil War; World War II

Bible/GodBible/God Capitalize Capitalize BibleBible, without quotation marks, , without quotation marks,

to refer to the Old and New Testaments.to refer to the Old and New Testaments. QuranQuran is the preferred spelling for the is the preferred spelling for the

Muslim holy book, and it, too, should be Muslim holy book, and it, too, should be capitalized.capitalized.

Capitalize Capitalize GodGod or or AllahAllah to refer to to refer to monotheistic deities; lowercase pronouns monotheistic deities; lowercase pronouns referring to the deity. referring to the deity.

Brand namesBrand names Capitalize brand names.Capitalize brand names.

PontiacPontiac CokeCoke KleenexKleenex

Lowercase generic terms.Lowercase generic terms. sedansedan colacola facial tissuefacial tissue

Buildings/RoomsBuildings/Rooms Capitalize the proper names of Capitalize the proper names of

buildings, including the word buildings, including the word buildingbuilding if if that is part of the name.that is part of the name. Empire State BuildingEmpire State Building

Capitalize the names of specifically Capitalize the names of specifically designated rooms and the word designated rooms and the word roomroom when it’s used with a number.when it’s used with a number. the Blue Roomthe Blue Room Room 345Room 345

CapitolCapitol

Capitalize Capitalize U.S. CapitolU.S. Capitol and and the Capitolthe Capitol when referring to the building where when referring to the building where Congress meets.Congress meets.

Capitalize Capitalize CapitolCapitol when referring to the when referring to the building where a specific state legislature building where a specific state legislature meets.meets. the Indiana State Capitolthe Indiana State Capitol

CongressCongress Capitalize Capitalize U.S. CongressU.S. Congress and and CongressCongress

when referring to the U.S. Senate and when referring to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.House of Representatives.

Lower case Lower case congressionalcongressional, unless it is part , unless it is part of a proper noun, such as theof a proper noun, such as the Congressional Congressional RecordRecord..

Capitalize Capitalize legislaturelegislature and similar terms when and similar terms when referring to specific state legislative bodies.referring to specific state legislative bodies. the Kansas Legislaturethe Kansas Legislature

ConstitutionConstitution Capitalize references to the Capitalize references to the U.S. U.S.

ConstitutionConstitution, with or without the , with or without the U.S.U.S. modifier.modifier.

Capitalize Capitalize Bill of RightsBill of Rights and and First First AmendmentAmendment (and all other (and all other amendments).amendments).

Lowercase the adjective Lowercase the adjective constitutionalconstitutional..

Directions/RegionsDirections/Regions Lowercase Lowercase northnorth, , southsouth, , southwestsouthwest, etc., , etc.,

when they indicate a compass direction.when they indicate a compass direction. Des Moines is north of Kansas City.Des Moines is north of Kansas City.

Capitalize such words when they indicate a Capitalize such words when they indicate a region.region. The storm hit Northeast states hardest.The storm hit Northeast states hardest.

Capitalize names of well known regions.Capitalize names of well known regions. the Deep South; the East Side of Manhattan; the Deep South; the East Side of Manhattan;

Southern California.Southern California.

Do not capitalizeDo not capitalize administrationadministration first ladyfirst lady first familyfirst family governmentgovernment presidentialpresidential presidencypresidency priestpriest seasons (fall, winter, seasons (fall, winter,

etc.)etc.)

years in school years in school (sophomore, junior, (sophomore, junior, etc.)etc.)

Also, lowercase the Also, lowercase the common-noun common-noun elements of proper elements of proper names in plural uses.names in plural uses. Elm and Main streetsElm and Main streets the Missouri and the Missouri and

Mississippi riversMississippi rivers

EarthEarth

Generally, lowercase Generally, lowercase earthearth.. She is a down-to-earth person.She is a down-to-earth person.

Capitalize when it’s used as the proper Capitalize when it’s used as the proper name of the planet.name of the planet. Mars is farther from the Sun than Earth.Mars is farther from the Sun than Earth.

GovernmentGovernment Capitalize Capitalize citycity, , countycounty, , statestate and and federalfederal

when part of a proper name.when part of a proper name. Crawford County CommissionCrawford County Commission

Capitalize Capitalize city councilcity council, , city hallcity hall, , police police departmentdepartment, , legislaturelegislature and and assemblyassembly when part of a proper name.when part of a proper name. Boston City Council; Chicago Police Boston City Council; Chicago Police

Department; Florida LegislatureDepartment; Florida Legislature

Retain capitalization when the context Retain capitalization when the context makes clear the reference is to a specific makes clear the reference is to a specific body.body. the City Council; the Police Department; the the City Council; the Police Department; the

LegislatureLegislature

HighwaysHighways

Use these forms for highways identified by Use these forms for highways identified by number.number. U.S. Highway 1; U.S. Route 1; U.S. 1; Illinois U.S. Highway 1; U.S. Route 1; U.S. 1; Illinois

34, Illinois Route 34; state Route 34; 34, Illinois Route 34; state Route 34; Interstate 495; Interstate Highway 495.Interstate 495; Interstate Highway 495.

On second reference, use I-495.On second reference, use I-495. When a letter is appended to a highway When a letter is appended to a highway

number, capitalize it.number, capitalize it. Route 1ARoute 1A

MilitaryMilitary

Capitalize the names of U.S. armed Capitalize the names of U.S. armed forces.forces. U.S. ArmyU.S. Army the Navythe Navy Marine regulationsMarine regulations

Lower case the forces of other nations.Lower case the forces of other nations. the French armythe French army

Nationalities/RaceNationalities/Race Capitalize proper names of nationalities, Capitalize proper names of nationalities,

races and tribes.races and tribes. French; Arab; Caucasian; EskimoFrench; Arab; Caucasian; Eskimo

Lowercase words such as Lowercase words such as blackblack, , whitewhite and and mulattomulatto..

Do not use Do not use coloredcolored; in the United States, ; in the United States, the word is considered derogatory.the word is considered derogatory.

Do not identify people by race unless it is Do not identify people by race unless it is necessary to the story.necessary to the story.

PluralsPlurals To form the plurals of a number, add To form the plurals of a number, add ss

with no apostrophe.with no apostrophe. 1920s1920s

To form plurals of a single letter, add To form plurals of a single letter, add ’s’s. . To form plurals of multiple letters, add To form plurals of multiple letters, add only only ss.. Mind your p’s and q’s.Mind your p’s and q’s. She knows her ABCs.She knows her ABCs.

Political partiesPolitical parties Capitalize both the name of the party Capitalize both the name of the party

and the word and the word partyparty.. the Republican Partythe Republican Party

Also capitalize Communist, Socialist, Also capitalize Communist, Socialist, Libertarian when they refer to a Libertarian when they refer to a specific party or party member. specific party or party member.

Lowercase references to a political Lowercase references to a political philosophyphilosophy The Libertarian candidate received 348 The Libertarian candidate received 348

votes.votes. The foundation advocates libertarian The foundation advocates libertarian

policies.policies.

Use a Use a DD or an or an RR and the abbreviation for and the abbreviation for the state to identify members of the state to identify members of Congress.Congress. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., …Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., … Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., …Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., …

Use a Use a DD or an or an RR and home town or and home town or district to identify members of state district to identify members of state legislatures, city councils or other legislatures, city councils or other legislative bodies elected on a partisan legislative bodies elected on a partisan basis.basis. State Sen. Joe Adams, R-Walnut, …State Sen. Joe Adams, R-Walnut, … Councilwoman Alice Goode, D-3rd District,Councilwoman Alice Goode, D-3rd District,

……

Proper nounsProper nouns Capitalize proper nouns, which uniquely Capitalize proper nouns, which uniquely

identify persons, places or things.identify persons, places or things. MaryMary BostonBoston the Columbia Riverthe Columbia River

Lowercase common nouns when they Lowercase common nouns when they stand alone.stand alone. the citythe city the riverthe river

SatanSatan

Capitalize Capitalize SatanSatan, but lowercase , but lowercase devildevil and and satanicsatanic..

TitlesTitles Capitalize formal titles used immediately Capitalize formal titles used immediately

before a name.before a name. Mayor Donna RodgersMayor Donna Rodgers

Lowercase titles used after the name or Lowercase titles used after the name or alone.alone. Donna Rogers, mayor of Walnut,….Donna Rogers, mayor of Walnut,….

Lowercase words that are job Lowercase words that are job descriptions rather than titles.descriptions rather than titles. movie star Tom Hanksmovie star Tom Hanks

Do not capitalize Do not capitalize professorprofessor when used when used before a name. before a name. He thanked professor Betty Falk for her He thanked professor Betty Falk for her

advice.advice.

Capitalization for Capitalization for broadcast copybroadcast copy

In generalIn general

Capitalization rules for broadcast copy are Capitalization rules for broadcast copy are nearly identical to those for print copy.nearly identical to those for print copy.

See the AP Stylebook and the AP See the AP Stylebook and the AP Broadcast News Handbook for more Broadcast News Handbook for more specifics.specifics.

GovernmentGovernment

Always refer to governmental bodies by Always refer to governmental bodies by the name that is most familiar to the the name that is most familiar to the audience.audience.

Capitalize full proper names, and Capitalize full proper names, and hyphenate hyphenate U-SU-S when that’s part of the when that’s part of the name.name. U-S Defense DepartmentU-S Defense Department

Grammar Basics: Grammar Basics: Common ErrorsCommon Errors

Subject-verb agreementSubject-verb agreement

Singular subjects take singular verbs.Singular subjects take singular verbs. A sharp knife cuts cleanly.A sharp knife cuts cleanly. The basketball needs more air.The basketball needs more air.

Plural subjects take plural verbs.Plural subjects take plural verbs. Most automobiles run on gasoline.Most automobiles run on gasoline. The magazines lie on the coffee table.The magazines lie on the coffee table.

Noun-pronoun agreementNoun-pronoun agreement Nouns have one of four genders:Nouns have one of four genders:

masculine (man, father, uncle)masculine (man, father, uncle) feminine (woman, mother, aunt)feminine (woman, mother, aunt) neuter (tree, streetlight)neuter (tree, streetlight) common (author, gymnast, lawyer, doctor)common (author, gymnast, lawyer, doctor)

Pronouns have one of three genders:Pronouns have one of three genders: masculine (he, him, his)masculine (he, him, his) feminine (she, her, hers)feminine (she, her, hers) neuter (it, its)neuter (it, its)

Pronouns must agree with their Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.antecedents in number and gender. DorisDoris said said sheshe would bring the pie. would bring the pie. SheShe keeps keeps herher shoesshoes in in theirtheir boxes. boxes.

Problems often arise when writers try to Problems often arise when writers try to find a gender-neutral pronoun for a find a gender-neutral pronoun for a common noun.common noun. Every firefighter wore their hat.Every firefighter wore their hat.

Try to recast the sentence as a plural:Try to recast the sentence as a plural: All firefighters wore their hats. All firefighters wore their hats.

Collective nounsCollective nouns

Agreement problems also arise with Agreement problems also arise with collective nouns – team, jury, company collective nouns – team, jury, company – and proper names for collectives – – and proper names for collectives – Dodgers, General Motors.Dodgers, General Motors.

Collective nouns may be singular or Collective nouns may be singular or plural, but not both in the same plural, but not both in the same sentence.sentence.

Singular verb-plural pronounSingular verb-plural pronoun Sloppy writers sometimes use a singular Sloppy writers sometimes use a singular

verb and a plural pronoun – in the same verb and a plural pronoun – in the same sentence.sentence. WRONG: The company demands too much WRONG: The company demands too much

from their employees.from their employees. RIGHT: The company demands too much RIGHT: The company demands too much

from its employees.from its employees. RIGHT: The company’s managers demand RIGHT: The company’s managers demand

too much from their employees.too much from their employees.

The tendency in American English is to The tendency in American English is to treat collective nouns as singular.treat collective nouns as singular. The board sets the salaries for the The board sets the salaries for the

executives it hires.executives it hires.

An exception is made when the An exception is made when the members of the collective are acting as members of the collective are acting as individuals, not as a group.individuals, not as a group. The board disagree on whether the The board disagree on whether the

company should pay their travel expenses.company should pay their travel expenses.

Adjective-Adverb ConfusionAdjective-Adverb Confusion Adjectives modify nouns.Adjectives modify nouns. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and

other adverbs.other adverbs. Sometimes writers use adjectives when Sometimes writers use adjectives when

they should use adverbs.they should use adverbs. WRONG: She caught on quick to the WRONG: She caught on quick to the

scam.scam. RIGHT: She caught on quickly to the scam.RIGHT: She caught on quickly to the scam.

““Good” and “well”Good” and “well” ““Good” is an adjective; “well” is an Good” is an adjective; “well” is an

adverb.adverb. What is the difference in the meaning What is the difference in the meaning

between these two sentences?between these two sentences? She does good.She does good. She does well.She does well.

Which of these is correct?Which of these is correct? The engine runs good.The engine runs good. The engine runs well.The engine runs well.

Relative pronounsRelative pronouns

Use “that” and “which” to refer to Use “that” and “which” to refer to inanimate objects, abstractions and inanimate objects, abstractions and animals that don’t have names.animals that don’t have names.

Use “who” and “whom” for people and Use “who” and “whom” for people and animals with names.animals with names.

““That” and “which”That” and “which” Would these two sentences lead you to Would these two sentences lead you to

the same house? Why or why not?the same house? Why or why not? Go to the third house, which has green Go to the third house, which has green

drapes.drapes. Go to the third house that has green drapes.Go to the third house that has green drapes.

Use “which” to introduce nonessential Use “which” to introduce nonessential phrases and clauses; use “that” to phrases and clauses; use “that” to introduce essential phrases and clauses.introduce essential phrases and clauses.

““Who” and “whom”Who” and “whom” Use “who” when it is the subject of the Use “who” when it is the subject of the

phrase or clause in which it stands.phrase or clause in which it stands. Use “whom” when it is the object of a verb Use “whom” when it is the object of a verb

or preposition.or preposition. SUBJECT: I know who will win the Super Bowl.SUBJECT: I know who will win the Super Bowl. OBJECT OF VERB: He is one whom I trust.OBJECT OF VERB: He is one whom I trust. OBJECT OF PREPOSITION: To whom did you OBJECT OF PREPOSITION: To whom did you

send the letter?send the letter?

Passive voicePassive voice

Active voice sentences use the subject-Active voice sentences use the subject-verb-object pattern.verb-object pattern. The batter hit the ball.The batter hit the ball.

Passive voice turns the order around and Passive voice turns the order around and makes the direct object the subject.makes the direct object the subject. The ball was hit by the batter.The ball was hit by the batter.

Problems with passivesProblems with passives Passive sentences use more words Passive sentences use more words

than active ones, making them harder to than active ones, making them harder to understand.understand.

Passive sentences also obscure Passive sentences also obscure responsibility.responsibility. Mistakes were made.Mistakes were made. Laws were violated.Laws were violated. People were hurt.People were hurt.

Compound modifiersCompound modifiers

Hyphenate before a nounHyphenate before a noun ……small-town resident ….small-town resident …. … … man-eating shark ….man-eating shark …. … … full-time worker ….full-time worker ….

Hyphen shows the two words work Hyphen shows the two words work together, not independently, to modify the together, not independently, to modify the noun.noun.

Absence of a hyphen can lead to Absence of a hyphen can lead to ambiguity, some times humorous, as in ambiguity, some times humorous, as in this headline:this headline: Squad helps dog bite victimSquad helps dog bite victim

Whom is the squad helping, the dog or the Whom is the squad helping, the dog or the victim?victim?

……small town resident ….small town resident …. Is the town small or the resident?Is the town small or the resident?

… … man eating shark….man eating shark…. Is the man eating the shark or the shark eating Is the man eating the shark or the shark eating

the man?the man?

Hyphenate predicate Hyphenate predicate adjectivesadjectives

Hyphenate compound modifiers used Hyphenate compound modifiers used as predicate adjectives (adjectives that as predicate adjectives (adjectives that follow a linking verb such as “to be”).follow a linking verb such as “to be”). Her outlook is small-town.Her outlook is small-town. The shark is a man-eater.The shark is a man-eater.

Don’t hyphenate in other Don’t hyphenate in other contextscontexts

She lives in a small town.She lives in a small town. He is a victim of a dog bite.He is a victim of a dog bite. She works full time.She works full time.

The language of newsThe language of news

Be preciseBe precise Words are the journalists’ tools. Just as a Words are the journalists’ tools. Just as a

surgeon must know how to use a scalpel or surgeon must know how to use a scalpel or a carpenter must know how to use a plane, a carpenter must know how to use a plane, the journalist must know how to use words.the journalist must know how to use words.

Some words, like “collide” and “epicenter,” Some words, like “collide” and “epicenter,” are widely misused. Others are misused are widely misused. Others are misused because of confusion, like “cite” and “site.”because of confusion, like “cite” and “site.”

Use strong verbsUse strong verbs

Verbs convey action. A strong, active verb Verbs convey action. A strong, active verb can replace a weak verb and several can replace a weak verb and several adjectives.adjectives. WEAK: The car hit the roadside barrier hard WEAK: The car hit the roadside barrier hard

and fell far into the ravine.and fell far into the ravine. STRONGER: The car smashed the roadside STRONGER: The car smashed the roadside

barrier and plunged into the ravine.barrier and plunged into the ravine.

Slang, jargon and euphemismsSlang, jargon and euphemisms Slang words are linguistic fads that may or Slang words are linguistic fads that may or

may not endure.may not endure. Jargon, or technical language, has Jargon, or technical language, has

meaning only to those in a particular job.meaning only to those in a particular job. Euphemisms hide unpleasant realities.Euphemisms hide unpleasant realities. All obscure understanding, but the All obscure understanding, but the

journalists’ job is to increase journalists’ job is to increase understanding.understanding.

Other issuesOther issues

Avoid platitudes, which state the obvious.Avoid platitudes, which state the obvious. The mayor was please by the warm reception.The mayor was please by the warm reception.

Avoid the negative. Avoid the negative. NEGATIVE: Students did not come to class NEGATIVE: Students did not come to class

often.often. POSITIVE: Students often skipped class.POSITIVE: Students often skipped class.

Avoid gush or enthusiastic Avoid gush or enthusiastic exaggeration.exaggeration. The fair will offer bigger and better The fair will offer bigger and better

attractions than ever before.attractions than ever before.

Avoid vague time references. In print Avoid vague time references. In print copy, use day of the week or date copy, use day of the week or date instead of “yesterday” or “tomorrow.” instead of “yesterday” or “tomorrow.” Eliminate redundancies like “10 a.m. in Eliminate redundancies like “10 a.m. in the morning” or “this Tuesday.”the morning” or “this Tuesday.”