• 4-minute read
• 4th September 2025

Style Guides: What Is AP Style?

The Associated Press Stylebook, also referred to as AP style, is a style guide frequently used in journalism and business writing. This guide explains what AP style includes, when to use it, and how it compares with other style guides.

The Associated Press Stylebook

The Associated Press (AP) is a major global news agency based in New York. It first produced its style guide for journalists, The AP Stylebook, in 1953. Now in its 55th print edition, the guide is also available online, with regular updates that reflect new developments in language and usage.

Used by news agencies, publishers, and professional organizations worldwide, AP style promotes an accurate and consistent approach to writing. While it focuses on American English, many of its principles can be adapted for other dialects, such as British English, when writing for an international audience.

What Does The AP Stylebook Cover?

The main feature of The AP Stylebook is an A–Z list of terms and usage guidelines, from AAA to ZIP code. For each entry, it includes rules for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, and other helpful points on how to use the term correctly.

Beyond the A–Z list, AP style also provides guidance on:

• Technical terminology and search engine usage
• Subject-specific rules for fields such as sports, business, and religion
• Media law, libel, and journalistic ethics
• Quoting sources and writing photo captions
• Using social media, polls, and surveys
• Standard proofreading marks for editors
• Digital security for journalists

This makes it a comprehensive reference not only for journalists but also for other professionals who want to maintain clarity and consistency in their writing.

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Should I Use AP Style?

If you’re a journalist, the answer is almost always yes. Many news organizations require AP style, and even those with in-house style guides often follow many of the same principles. Knowing the basics can help you adapt to various editorial environments.

Outside journalism, AP style is widely used in corporate communications. Its emphasis on clarity and brevity makes it a strong choice for business writing where concise, professional communication is essential.

If you’re involved in writing press releases, web content, or other marketing copy, following AP style can help ensure your work meets industry expectations and is easy for your audience to read. 

You may also want to compare AP style with other guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), to decide which best aligns with your writing goals.

Comparing AP Style With Other Guides

While AP style is one of the most widely recognized guides, it’s not the only option. For example:

• APA style (American Psychological Association) is widely used in academic writing, especially in the social sciences
• MLA style (Modern Language Association) is common in the humanities, particularly in literature and language studies
• Chicago style (CMOS) is a flexible, detailed guide used in publishing and academia

Choosing the right guide depends on your audience, subject matter, and purpose. If your work spans multiple formats, you may find it useful to create an in-house style guide that draws from AP style while incorporating your organization’s specific requirements.

How To Stay Consistent With AP Style

Consistency is one of the main benefits of using a style guide. To stay consistent when using AP style:

1. Bookmark or subscribe to the online edition so you can be notified of new rules as they’re updated
2. Train your team on key AP principles, such as when to spell out numbers and how to handle titles
3. Create an internal reference sheet for company-specific terms and other commonly used writing and formatting preferences
4. Proofread and edit all documents to ensure they align with AP rules

If your organization already follows AP style, make sure everyone has access to the same resources to avoid inconsistencies.

Want to ensure your writing follows AP style perfectly? Our expert editors can proofread your documents for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with the AP Stylebook. Submit your document now for a free AP style proofreading sample and see how we can help refine your work.

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