The AP Stylebook is a widely used reference guide in journalism and writing, providing rules and guidelines for consistency in writing style, punctuation, and terminology. One of the key areas it covers is the proper way to refer to cities and locations. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the AP Style cities guide, exploring its guidelines, exceptions, and the rationale behind them.
Introduction to AP Style Cities Guide
The AP Stylebook advises writers to use the most common and concise names for cities, avoiding unnecessary words and abbreviations unless they are part of the official name. For instance, “New York City” is preferred over “New York, New York,” because “New York City” is the more commonly used term. However, for cities that are not well-known or could be confused with other places, the state or country may be included for clarity.
Specific Guidelines for Cities
In the AP Style cities guide, it is recommended to avoid using abbreviations for states unless they are part of a dateline or in a list. For example, in a news story, “The company is based in New York” is preferred over “The company is based in N.Y.” However, in a dateline, “NEW YORK (AP)” is acceptable. This distinction is made to maintain clarity and consistency across different types of writing.
| City Name | AP Style Preference |
|---|---|
| New York City | New York |
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles (no need to include California unless context requires) |
| Mount Vernon, New York | Mount Vernon, N.Y. (in datelines or lists) |
Exceptions and Special Cases
There are exceptions and special cases in the AP Style cities guide that writers should be aware of. For cities that are part of a larger metropolitan area but have distinct identities, both the city and the larger area may be referenced to provide context. For example, “The event will take place in Brooklyn, part of the New York City metropolitan area.” This approach helps to clarify the location for readers who may not be familiar with the specific city.
International Cities
When referring to international cities, the AP Stylebook suggests using the most commonly recognized English name for the city. For example, “Beijing” is preferred over “Peking,” as “Beijing” is the more widely used term in English. Additionally, when referring to cities in countries with multiple languages, the most commonly used name in the dominant language of the country is often chosen.
Key Points
- The AP Style cities guide emphasizes using the most common and concise names for cities.
- States or countries may be included for clarity, especially for lesser-known cities.
- Abbreviations for states are generally avoided except in datelines or lists.
- International cities are referred to by their most commonly recognized English name.
- Consistency and clarity are key principles in applying the AP Style cities guide.
In conclusion, mastering the AP Style cities guide is essential for writers who aim to produce clear, concise, and consistent content. By understanding and applying these guidelines, writers can enhance the readability and professionalism of their work, whether in journalism, academic writing, or any other field that requires precision and style.
Why is consistency important in referring to cities according to AP Style?
+Consistency in referring to cities is important because it helps maintain clarity and readability in writing. It ensures that the message is conveyed efficiently and effectively, without confusing the reader with multiple names or formats for the same city.
How does the AP Style guide approach the naming of international cities?
+The AP Style guide recommends using the most commonly recognized English name for international cities. This approach facilitates understanding and recognition, making the content more accessible to a wider audience.
What is the significance of including or excluding state names when referring to cities in AP Style?
+Including or excluding state names depends on the context and the need for clarity. For well-known cities, the state name may not be necessary, but for lesser-known cities or to avoid confusion, including the state can provide essential context.
By adhering to the AP Style cities guide, writers can ensure that their work is not only stylistically consistent but also informative and engaging, thereby meeting the high standards expected in professional writing.