Grammar Standards and AP Style

Grammar Standards and AP Style JAM 201

Getting to Know Me

• Instructor: Allyson B. DeVito, Ph.D.

• Email: allydevito@uky.edu

• Office Location: 310D Pence Hall

Important Dates

• Final Exam: Thursday, Nov. 20 - to be submitted online via Canvas by 11:59 p.m.

Assignments and Exercises

• Each week's module includes quizzes and writing assignments.

• Grade Distribution: 80% of your grade is based on quizzes and assignments.

• Late Policy: No late assignments will be accepted!

Overview of Associated Press (AP) Style

Definition

• The content of newspapers and other mass media results from collaboration among many editors and writers.

• AP Style: Provides consistent grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language usage guidelines for publications.

• Functions as an A-Z guide covering issues including:

  • Capitalization

  • Abbreviations

  • Punctuation

  • Spelling

  • Numerals

  • Language and Usage

Key Principles of AP Style

1. Consistency: Maintains uniformity across publications.

2. Clarity: Ensures messages are clear and understandable.

3. Accuracy: Prioritizes factual correctness in reporting.

4. Brevity: Encourages concise expression.

• Stereotype Avoidance: AP Style aims to sidestep stereotypes and unintentionally offensive language.

Historical Background of the Associated Press

• Invention of the Telegraph: A major advancement for newspapers, enabling updates on global news.

• The telegraph's cost led to the formation of the Associated Press: An independent, global news agency founded in 1846 as a collaborative effort by five New York newspapers during the Mexican-American War.

Importance of AP

• Over its 170-year history, AP has reported pivotal global events, including:

  • The assassination of Abraham Lincoln

  • The bombing of Pearl Harbor

Current Role of AP

• Recognized as the most trusted provider of fast, accurate, and unbiased news across various formats.

• Global Reach: Serves more than half of the world's population daily.

• Operates in 250 locations across 100 countries, reporting breaking news, covering conflicts, and producing enterprise reports.

• Essential Tool: AP Style is crucial for anyone committed to good writing, ensuring that a story is universally comprehensible.

Examples and Guidelines Regarding Language Usage

Motion Picture Association Ratings

1. G: General Audiences - All ages admitted.

2. PG: Parental Guidance Suggested - Some material may not be suitable for children.

3. PG-13: Special Parental Guidance Strongly Suggested - Material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

4. R: Restricted - Under 17 requires an accompanying parent or adult guardian.

5. NC-17: No one 17 and under admitted.

• When referencing ratings in news articles, follow the formats:

  • "The movie has an R rating"

  • "R-rated movie"

  • "The movie is R-rated"

Measurement Abbreviations and Style

• mpg: Acceptable in all references for miles per gallon when paired with a figure (e.g., "The car got 40 mpg"). Write out in general uses (e.g., "My car gets a lot of miles per gallon," he said).

• mph: Acceptable in all references for miles per hour.

• MRI: Acceptable in all references for magnetic resonance imaging.

Specific Terms and Names

• Mujahedeen: Use lowercase for general reference; uppercase for group names (e.g., Mujahedeen-e-Khalq).

• Mullah: An Islamic leader or teacher, often a title of respect.

• Mumbai: India's largest city, formerly known as Bombay.

• Murphy's Law: Defined as "If something can go wrong, it will."

• Music Titles: Capitalize descriptive titles for orchestral works, but lower case the names of instruments if not part of the title.

Importance of Grammar and Style Corrections

• Errors in grammar, spelling, and style are equivalent to stains on a shirt; they are noticeable.

• These mistakes undermine the credibility of journalists and erode readers' trust in their media organizations.

• Cleaning up these errors is essential for maintaining professional integrity in journalism.