Ap Style and Lede writing Study notes

How do you reference names in AP Style?

Use full name on first reference, last name (or title) after. Example: “Samuel Jackson” → “Jackson.”

Should courtesy titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss be used?

No. Use only last names on second reference. Example: “Oprah Winfrey” → “Winfrey.”

Which titles are abbreviated before a name?

Dr., Gov., Lt. Gov., Rep., the Rev., Sen. Example: “Gov. Henry McMaster.”

Which military titles are abbreviated before a name?

Gen., Cpl., Maj., Capt., Sgt., Pvt. Example: “Capt. John Williams.”

Is “President” ever abbreviated?

No. Capitalize only before a name. Example: “President Barack Obama.”

How do you write numbered addresses?

Abbreviate Ave., Blvd., St. with numbers: “1200 University Blvd.”

How do you write addresses without numbers?

Spell out Ave., Blvd., St. Example: “Pennsylvania Avenue.”

How do you handle addresses with more than one street?

Lowercase and spell out: “Elm and Maple streets.”

How do you write other street types like road or drive?

Always spell out. Example: “South Lake Drive.”

How are ages written?

Always use numerals. Example: “The suspect is 24 years old.”

How do you write ages used as adjectives?

Hyphenate. Example: “A 24-year-old man.”

When are titles capitalized?

Before names. Example: “Mayor Steve Benjamin.”

When are titles lowercase?

Alone or after names. Example: “Steve Benjamin is the mayor.”

Should common fields like journalism or public relations be capitalized?

No. Example: “She’s a journalism student.”

When are City Council, School Board, Fire Department, etc. capitalized?

When part of a proper name or specific reference.

How are regions and directions capitalized?

Lowercase compass directions; capitalize regions. Example: “drive west” vs. “moved to the West.”

How do you write days within 7 days of today?

Use day of week. Example: “The game will be played Tuesday.”

How do you format clock time in AP Style?

Use numerals + a.m./p.m. Example: “6 p.m.” “8:15 a.m.”

How do you order time, date, and place?

Time → Date → Place. Example: “3 p.m. Jan. 3 at Union Station.”

Do you add “st, nd, rd, th” to dates?

No. Example: “July 4.”

How do you write U.S. state names in stories?

Spell them out. Example: “Columbia, South Carolina.”

How are city/state combos punctuated?

City, State, comma. Example: “Nashville, Tennessee, to Austin, Texas.”

How do you write dimensions in AP?

use numerals. Example: “6 feet 3 inches tall.”

How long should a lede be?

25–30 words.

What tense should a lede be in?

Past tense.

How many numbers can a lede include?

No more than two.

How many prepositions should a lede have?

At least two.

Should every word count in a lede?

Yes — avoid unnecessary words.

Can ledes be blind?

Yes, sometimes (when subject isn’t named immediately).

What writing voice should you avoid in ledes?

Passive voice (except crime or scientific writing).

What types of news are ledes typically used for?

Straight news / hard news.

What is AP News?

AP (Associated Press) is a nonprofit global news agency that provides fast, accurate, and unbiased reporting to newspapers, TV, radio, and digital outlets worldwide.