The AP style, short for Associated Press style, is a widely accepted standard for writing and editing in journalism and other forms of professional communication. One key aspect of the AP style is its guidelines for state abbreviations. In the AP style, states are abbreviated in a specific way to ensure consistency and clarity in writing.
According to the AP stylebook, most states are abbreviated using their traditional abbreviations, which are usually a combination of the first letter or letters of the state’s name. However, some states have longer abbreviations, while others are not abbreviated at all. For instance, Alaska is abbreviated as “Alaska” (not abbreviated), California is “Calif.,” and New York is “N.Y.”
Here is a list of state abbreviations as per the AP style:
- Ala. - Alabama
- Alaska - (not abbreviated)
- Ariz. - Arizona
- Ark. - Arkansas
- Calif. - California
- Colo. - Colorado
- Conn. - Connecticut
- Del. - Delaware
- Fla. - Florida
- Ga. - Georgia
- Hawaii - (not abbreviated)
- Idaho - (not abbreviated)
- Ill. - Illinois
- Ind. - Indiana
- Iowa - (not abbreviated)
- Kan. - Kansas
- Ky. - Kentucky
- La. - Louisiana
- Maine - (not abbreviated)
- Md. - Maryland
- Mass. - Massachusetts
- Mich. - Michigan
- Minn. - Minnesota
- Miss. - Mississippi
- Mo. - Missouri
- Mont. - Montana
- Neb. - Nebraska
- Nev. - Nevada
- N.H. - New Hampshire
- N.J. - New Jersey
- N.M. - New Mexico
- N.Y. - New York
- N.C. - North Carolina
- N.D. - North Dakota
- Ohio - (not abbreviated)
- Okla. - Oklahoma
- Ore. - Oregon
- Pa. - Pennsylvania
- R.I. - Rhode Island
- S.C. - South Carolina
- S.D. - South Dakota
- Tenn. - Tennessee
- Texas - (not abbreviated)
- Utah - (not abbreviated)
- Vt. - Vermont
- Va. - Virginia
- Wash. - Washington
- W.Va. - West Virginia
- Wis. - Wisconsin
- Wyo. - Wyoming
For proper use in sentences and when referring to addresses, consider the following examples:
- “I am traveling to Calif. for a conference.” (In formal writing or journalism.)
- “The mailing address included the abbreviation N.Y. for New York.” (In formal context.)
- “When writing to a friend in California, you would use Calif. as the state abbreviation in the address.” (Instructional.)
However, it’s also important to note that in more casual or non-formal writing contexts, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) style, which uses two-letter abbreviations for all states (e.g., CA for California, NY for New York), might be more commonly used and recognized.
Steps to Use AP Style State Abbreviations Correctly:
- Refer to the latest AP Stylebook for the most current guidelines on state abbreviations.
- Understand that some states are not abbreviated and should be spelled out in full.
- Ensure consistent use of AP style abbreviations in formal writing and journalism.
- Be aware of the context in which you are writing and adjust your style accordingly (e.g., using USPS abbreviations for casual or mailing purposes).
In conclusion, mastering AP style state abbreviations is crucial for professionals in journalism, public relations, and anyone looking to adhere to a recognized standard of editorial style. It enhances clarity, professionalism, and consistency in communication, which are essential in today’s information-driven world.
What is the main purpose of using AP style state abbreviations?
+The main purpose is to maintain consistency and clarity in writing, especially in formal contexts such as journalism and professional communication.
Which states are not abbreviated according to AP style?
+States like Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, and Utah are not abbreviated and should be spelled out in full.
How does AP style differ from USPS style for state abbreviations?
+AP style uses traditional abbreviations (which can vary in length), while USPS style uses two-letter abbreviations for all states. The context of use (formal vs. mailing addresses) often determines which style is appropriate.
