AP style for news articles sets the standard for clarity and consistency in journalism. Following these rules helps reporters present facts accurately and professionally across print and digital platforms.
Below is a practical guide to applying AP style in news writing, with focused sections on headlines, attribution, numbers, social media, and ethical reporting.
| Section | Key Rule | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headlines | Capitalize main words, avoid abbreviations | City Council Passes Climate Plan | Improve scanability and SEO |
| Numbers | Spell out one through nine, use figures for 10+ | She ordered 3 coffees and 12 pastries | Maintain readability and style consistency |
| Dates | Month day, year with commas | March 15, 2023 | Provide clear timeline context |
| Social Media | AP does not govern platforms, but news orgs apply similar clarity rules in captions and links.Use descriptive anchor text for external links | Support transparency and user trust |
Headlines and Subheads in AP Style
Headlines follow AP style by capitalizing key nouns, verbs, and adjectives while keeping articles and short prepositions lowercase unless they start the headline. This approach improves readability and fits editorial templates.
Subheads act as signposts within long stories. They use sentence case, avoid sensational language, and often summarize the section below. Consistent subheads help SEO and user navigation.
Active voice and strong verbs are preferred in headlines and subheads. They make news summaries more direct and engaging, which supports both reader retention and search visibility.
Attribution and Source Handling
Attribution clarifies who said a claim and why it is credible. Use phrases like according to, the senator said, and reported by to avoid ambiguity.
When quoting, preserve exact wording and place commas and periods inside quotation marks. Introduce each quote with a short attribution phrase to maintain flow.
Digital attribution now includes handles and URLs. Mention the platform and, when relevant, verify profile authenticity to strengthen source reliability.
Numbers, Dates, and Statistics
Numbers one through nine are spelled out, while 10 and above use figures. This rule applies to ages, distances, scores, and timeframes unless style guides specify otherwise.
Dates follow the format month day, year, with commas after the day and after the year when the sentence continues. For example, July 4, 1776, marked a turning point.
Percent signs are used with numerals and no spaces when paired with a number, such as 5% growth. In narrative text, percent may be spelled out for readability.
Social Media and Digital News
News organizations adapt AP style for social platforms by keeping captions concise, using clear headers, and linking to full articles. Emojis are allowed in some brands, but clarity remains essential.
Headlines for digital articles often mirror print style but may include keywords for SEO. Keyword placement above the fold supports both ranking and reader comprehension.
Metadata and alt text for images also follow AP style principles. Accurate labels improve accessibility and help news content appear in image searches.
Ethical Reporting and Corrections
Journalists should verify facts before publication, correct errors promptly, and disclose conflicts of interest. Transparency builds long-term trust with audiences.
When mistakes are found, issue clear corrections with the original error noted when relevant. Readers appreciate visible accountability and updated context.
Digital updates should revise stories in place and link to major changes. This practice supports SEO freshness while honoring the public’s right to accurate information.
- Follow AP style for numbers, dates, and attribution to ensure consistency.
- Write concise, active headlines that include primary keywords for SEO.
- Attribute claims clearly and verify digital sources before publishing.
- Correct errors transparently and update articles with visible change notes.
- Adapt rules thoughtfully for social platforms while preserving clarity.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I format numbers in AP style for news stories?
Spell out numbers one through nine and use figures for 10 and above, including in statistics, ages, and dates, unless a publication has specific exceptions.
Should I capitalize political terms like left and right in headlines?
Capitalize political parties and movements, such as Democratic Party, but keep generic terms like left and right lowercase unless they are part of a formal name.
How should I attribute information from anonymous officials?
Use careful wording and context, such as a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity, and explain why anonymity was necessary without compromising accuracy.
What is the rule for using the ampersand in AP style headlines?
Use & only when it is part of a formal organization name, such as Walmart & Target, and prefer and in most headlines to maintain readability.