AP Style State Abbreviations: Your Quick Guide

AP Style State Abbreviations: Your Quick Guide

The Associated Press (AP) style guide offers a specific set of rules for how to abbreviate state names in journalistic writing. Using these abbreviations consistently ensures clarity and professionalism in your content. In this guide, we’ll cover the correct way to abbreviate states in AP style, including exceptions and common mistakes to avoid.

When to Abbreviate States in AP Style

In AP style, you abbreviate state names when they appear after a city name. For example:

• "Phoenix, Ariz., is the capital of Arizona."
• "She visited Boston, Mass., last summer."

Full List of AP Style State Abbreviations

Here’s a comprehensive list of state abbreviations as per AP style:

• Alabama: Ala.
• Alaska: Alaska (not abbreviated)
• Arizona: Ariz.
• Arkansas: Ark.
• California: Calif.
• Colorado: Colo.
• Connecticut: Conn.
• Delaware: Del.
• Florida: Fla.
• Georgia: Ga.
• Hawaii: Hawaii (not abbreviated)
• Idaho: Idaho (not abbreviated)
• Illinois: Ill.
• Indiana: Ind.
• Iowa: Iowa (not abbreviated)
• Kansas: Kan.
• Kentucky: Ky.
• Louisiana: La.
• Maine: Maine (not abbreviated)
• Maryland: Md.
• Massachusetts: Mass.
• Michigan: Mich.
• Minnesota: Minn.
• Mississippi: Miss.
• Missouri: Mo.
• Montana: Mont.
• Nebraska: Neb.
• Nevada: Nev.
• New Hampshire: N.H.
• New Jersey: N.J.
• New Mexico: N.M.
• New York: N.Y.
• North Carolina: N.C.
• North Dakota: N.D.
• Ohio: Ohio (not abbreviated)
• Oklahoma: Okla.
• Oregon: Ore.
• Pennsylvania: Pa.
• Rhode Island: R.I.
• South Carolina: S.C.
• South Dakota: S.D.
• Tennessee: Tenn.
• Texas: Texas (not abbreviated)
• Utah: Utah (not abbreviated)
• Vermont: Vt.
• Virginia: Va.
• Washington: Wash.
• West Virginia: W.Va.
• Wisconsin: Wis.
• Wyoming: Wyo.

States That Are Never Abbreviated

There are eight states that are never abbreviated in AP style:

• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Maine
• Ohio
• Texas
• Utah

When to Spell Out State Names

Always spell out the state name when it stands alone in the text or appears at the end of a sentence.

• "She grew up in Colorado."
• "The event was held in Maine."

Additionally, spell out state names in datelines:

• "DENVER—She spoke at the conference in Denver."

Using Postal Abbreviations vs. AP Style

It’s crucial to distinguish between AP style abbreviations and postal abbreviations (used by the U.S. Postal Service). Postal abbreviations are two-letter, all-caps abbreviations (e.g., CA for California), while AP style abbreviations have different formats.

Tips for Using AP Style State Abbreviations

1. Consistency: Always follow the AP style guide to maintain consistency in your writing.
2. Context: Abbreviate state names after city names but spell them out when they stand alone.
3. Exceptions: Remember the eight states that are never abbreviated.
4. Clarity: Ensure your abbreviations are clear and recognizable to your audience.
5. Resources: Keep an AP style guide handy for quick reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using postal abbreviations in journalistic writing.
• Abbreviating state names when they stand alone.
• Forgetting to spell out the eight states that are never abbreviated.
• Inconsistent usage of abbreviations within the same document.

Examples in Sentences

• "The conference will be held in Boise, Idaho."
• "She visited her family in Salt Lake City, Utah."
• "The new factory will be built in Austin, Texas."
• "He moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Denver, Colo."

Conclusion

Mastering AP style state abbreviations is essential for professional writing and journalism. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your content is accurate, clear, and consistent. Remember to spell out state names when they stand alone and avoid using postal abbreviations in your writing. Keep this guide as a quick reference to help you navigate the nuances of AP style.

FAQ: AP Style State Abbreviations

Q1: Why does AP style abbreviate state names?

AP style abbreviates state names primarily to save space and maintain brevity in news articles and other journalistic content. This practice helps to streamline text, making it more concise and readable, especially in formats with limited space, such as newspapers and online articles. — Stranger Things Season 5: Episode Count Confirmed

Q2: Are there any exceptions to the rule of spelling out state names when they stand alone? — Dust Storm Warning: Safety Tips & Latest Updates

Generally, AP style requires spelling out state names when they stand alone in the text. However, there are no true exceptions to this rule within the AP style guidelines. It's a consistent practice to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

Q3: How do I handle state names in headlines?

In headlines, AP style generally prefers to abbreviate state names, even if they are not following a city name. This is primarily to save space in the headline. However, clarity should always be a priority. If abbreviating a state name makes the headline unclear, it is better to spell it out.

Q4: Can I use postal abbreviations in AP style writing?

No, you should not use postal abbreviations (e.g., CA, NY) in AP style writing. AP style has its own set of abbreviations for state names (e.g., Calif., N.Y.) that should be used consistently in journalistic content.

Q5: What if I am writing for a non-journalistic publication?

If you are writing for a non-journalistic publication, such as an academic paper or a business document, you may have more flexibility in how you abbreviate state names. However, it's still important to be consistent and clear. If the publication has its own style guide, follow those guidelines. Otherwise, consider using either AP style or spelling out state names in full for clarity.

Q6: Where can I find the official AP style guide?

The official AP style guide is available as a printed book and as an online subscription. It is published by the Associated Press and is updated regularly to reflect changes in language and usage. You can find it on the AP Stylebook website and at most major bookstores. — Predator: Badlands Post-Credit Scene Explained

Q7: Are there any differences between AP style and other style guides regarding state abbreviations?

Yes, there are differences between AP style and other style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or MLA style, regarding state abbreviations. For example, Chicago style generally spells out state names in textual content but uses postal abbreviations in bibliographies and endnotes. Always refer to the specific style guide you are using to ensure consistency.