How To Write Dates In AP Style: Your Definitive Guide

Navigating the world of Associated Press (AP) style can feel like learning a new language, especially when it comes to dates. Getting dates right is crucial for journalists, writers, and anyone aiming for clear, concise, and consistent communication. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to write dates in AP style, ensuring you’re equipped to meet the standards of professional writing.

Understanding the Core Principles of AP Style Date Formatting

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to grasp the underlying principles. AP style prioritizes brevity and clarity. This means avoiding unnecessary words and aiming for ease of understanding for a broad audience. When formatting dates, this translates to a streamlined approach that minimizes confusion and maximizes readability. You’ll be using specific abbreviations and formats to achieve this.

The Basic Date Formatting: Month, Day, and Year

The fundamental format in AP style is Month Day, Year. For example, January 1, 2024. Notice the comma separating the day and the year. This is a critical component. You’ll also notice the absence of “st,” “nd,” “rd,” or “th” after the day.

Using Numbers for Days

Days of the month are written as numerals, without any suffixes (like the examples above). For example, write November 22 not November 22nd.

Months: Abbreviate or Spell Out?

This is where the nuances begin. The rule for months depends on the context:

• When a specific date is given, abbreviate months with more than five letters. This applies to the months Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.
• When using a month alone or with a year only, spell out the month. For example: January 2023.

Formatting with Years

Always include the year, unless the event happened in the current year. For example, “The meeting was held on Jan. 1.” However, if mentioning an event that occurred in the current year, you can often omit the year, unless it’s necessary for clarity. For example, “The conference will be held on November 20.”

When To Abbreviate Months and When Not To

The rule for abbreviating months is straightforward: Abbreviate all months except for March, April, May, June, and July. This is based on the length of the months and the need for brevity.

• Correct: Jan. 1, Feb. 15, Aug. 20
• Correct: January 2023, April 2024, June 2024
• Incorrect: Jan 1, Feb 15, August 20

Decades and Centuries: Writing About Time Periods

When discussing decades, use numerals without an apostrophe before the “s.” For example, “the 1990s” not “the 1990’s” or “the ’90s.” This is a common error.

For centuries, spell them out in lowercase letters. For example, “the 21st century.”

Dates in News Stories: How to Integrate Them Seamlessly

In news stories, dates are often placed within the body of the text. The goal is to integrate them smoothly without interrupting the flow. Remember to follow the rules established above. For example:

“The president announced the new policy on Jan. 15.”

“The company reported record profits in April.”

“The construction project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2025.”

Handling Date Ranges: Covering Multiple Days

When referring to a range of dates, use an en dash (–), which is longer than a hyphen (-). For example:

• “The conference took place Jan. 1–3.”
• “The project is scheduled for completion in the 2023–2024 fiscal year.”

Time of Day: How to Include It Correctly

AP style uses lowercase letters with periods for a.m. and p.m. Use figures for the time, followed by a space and then the abbreviation.

• “The meeting will begin at 2 p.m.”
• “The event is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.”

Avoid redundant phrases like “in the morning” or “in the afternoon” when using a.m. or p.m.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in AP Style Dating

Several common errors can trip up even experienced writers. Here’s a checklist to help you avoid them:

• Incorrect Abbreviation: Remember the exceptions for March, April, May, June, and July.
• Missing Comma: Always include the comma between the day and the year.
• Incorrect Use of Numerals: Always use numerals for days of the month.
• Incorrect Use of Apostrophes: Avoid apostrophes when writing decades.
• Inconsistent Formatting: Stick to the format throughout your writing.

Special Cases and Exceptions to the Rules

While the rules are generally consistent, there are a few exceptions and special cases to consider:

• For sports and other events: You might see a more informal style used within scoreboards or specific event listings. However, adhere to the general rules in the text surrounding those elements.
• For legal documents: Legal writing may have its own specific date formatting requirements that deviate from AP style.
• For style guides: Specific publications or organizations might have their own slightly modified AP style guides. Always check for these if they exist.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about AP Style dating:

Is it ever okay to use “today” or “yesterday” in a news story?

Yes, but use these terms sparingly. They are generally acceptable in very short news stories or in headlines where space is limited. However, always strive for specificity whenever possible.

How do I handle dates when writing about the future?

Use the same AP style format. For example, “The event is scheduled for Dec. 10, 2025.”

What about dates that are estimates?

If a date is an estimate, use wording such as “around” or “about” before the date. For example, “The project is expected to be completed around March 2024.”

When referring to a specific date in a long series of events, do you need to repeat the year for each date?

No, you only need to include the year with the first date in the series. If the series spans multiple years, you will need to include the year for the first date in each year.

How do I write dates within a sentence with a time of day?

Include the time of day immediately following the date, separated by a comma. For example, “The deadline is Jan. 5, 2024, at 5 p.m.”

Conclusion: Mastering AP Style Date Formatting

Mastering AP style date formatting is a key skill for any writer striving for clarity and professionalism. By adhering to the core principles of brevity, clarity, and consistency, you can ensure your writing is easy to understand and meets the standards of professional communication. This guide has provided you with the essential rules, exceptions, and tips to confidently write dates in AP style. Remember to practice and refer back to this guide as needed. With consistent application, you’ll be writing dates like a pro in no time.