Common Grammar Errors & Key AP Style Rules

These flashcards cover common grammar errors and essential AP style rules as outlined in the lecture notes.

Subject–Verb Agreement

The verb must agree in number with its subject (e.g. 'The students were ready' is correct).

Misplaced Modifiers

A modifier that is incorrectly placed in a sentence which can lead to confusion (e.g. 'Running down the street, the boy was hit by a car' is correct).

Comma Splices / Run-Ons

Using a comma incorrectly to separate two independent clauses (e.g. 'I love journalism. It is exciting' is correct).

Parallel Structure

The grammatical structure of the elements in a series must be the same (e.g. 'She likes cooking, jogging, and swimming' is correct).

Key AP Style Rule for Dates

Dates should be formatted as March 3, 2025 (not March 3rd, 2025).

Key AP Style Rule for Times

Times should be formatted as 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. (not 10AM, 2:30pm).

Key Rule for Numbers

Spell out numbers one through nine; use numerals for 10 and above.

Exception for Numbers at Sentence Start

Always spell out a number if it appears at the start of a sentence.

Key Rule for Percentages

Always write percent (not %), and use numerals with 'percent' even below 9 (e.g. 7 percent).

Capitalization of Titles

Capitalize titles before a name (e.g. President Joe Biden) but lowercase them otherwise.

Abbreviations for United States

Use U.S. as an adjective and United States as a noun.

Key AP Style for Location

Spell out state names in body text, abbreviate only in datelines, lists, or full addresses.

Quotes Punctuation Rule

Periods and commas go inside quotation marks.