AP rules for using city and state names are slightly complicated. For major cities, such as Chicago or Detroit, never use the state name. For smaller cities, use the state name if they are outside the state of publication (so, for us, outside Ohio) or could otherwise be confusing. When using state names in text,
The rules governing when to use commas, and when not to, are many. Consult the textbook for details. Textbook: 16:1.G & following
Some words are commonly misused. Among them: “A part” means the thing indicated is included in the whole; “apart” means it’s separate. “Everyday” is an adjective describing something as commonplace; “every day” is an adverb showing that it happens daily. “Fewer” is used when the things described can be counted individually: “fewer coins.” “Less” is
AP does not use italics. Most titles of compositions – books, songs, movies, etc. – are enclosed in quotation marks. Textbook: 17:1.H
Stater style uses upstyle (capitalizing most words) and quotation marks around the full formal names of courses: “Introduction to the Art of Calligraphy.” Informal names or general references are lowercase: a math class. Stater style handout
In AP style, courtesy titles such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” are never used. “Dr.” is used only when someone holds a medical degree, not just a Ph.D. Textbook: 17:2.B