Perhaps the only thing more wonderful than getting a new book is when that new book is an AP Stylebook. As much as I enjoy getting my new Stylebook each year, I don't always love the changed entries. The over/under change in 2014, for example, sent me into a tizzy. It also seems like we just get used to a rule and it changes. This year's … [Read more...]
Why I Force My Students to Learn AP Style
I've been called the "AP Style Nazi" and, frankly, I'm just fine with that. The unflattering nickname originated because I force students in all of my writing classes to learn Associated Press Style, and I quiz them on it weekly. My goal is for students to at least know what the AP Stylebook contains. Ideally they will memorize entries they … [Read more...]
June Means AP Stylebook Changes
Just when we think we grasp more AP Style than we’re confused by, the Associated Press goes and changes it. Perhaps they’re just trying to make sure we’re paying attention? The Associated Press made their annual announcement of changes to the 2016 AP Stylebook at the annual ACES conference. The changes include the adoption of 250 new or … [Read more...]
AP Changed the Internet
The internet is no longer a formal place. The Associated Press made their annual announcement of changes to the 2016 Stylebook at this week's ACES conference. The biggest changes were to web-related terms. Internet and web both will be lowercase, starting June 1. The current Stylebook rule calls for Internet to be capitalized because it is … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Lightning or Lightening?
When you live and work in Oklahoma, a fair amount of the writing you do is bound to be about weather. After all, as the state's own Will Rogers once famously said: If you don't like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute and it'll change." Anyone who has lived here knows that weather can be big news in the Sooner state, so you can imagine how … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Is it Freshman or Freshmen?
My student editor scurried across the hall from the Newsroom to my office, holding a proof of a newspaper page. "Is it the freshmen class or the freshman class," she asked. "Freshman," I responded with confidence. She nodded her head and started back across the hall. But, wait! Was that correct? Suddenly freshmen sounded right too. "Wait! … [Read more...]
Nerd Note: Is it Accept or Except?
Accept or except may sound alike, but they have opposite meanings. Accept means to receive. For example, I gladly accept the award. Except means to exclude. For example, All of our friends are going to the mall, except Kate. Same sound, different meanings, but simple enough to remember. Now go forth and use words correctly! … [Read more...]