In journalism and formal writing, the Associated Press (AP) style is widely used to ensure consistency and clarity. When abbreviating U.S. states, the AP style guide provides specific rules to follow. Below is a comprehensive guide to AP style state abbreviations, including their proper usage and exceptions.
General Rules for AP State Abbreviations
Two-Letter Abbreviations: Most states are abbreviated using two letters, which are the same as the U.S. Postal Service abbreviations. These are used in datelines, short citations, and certain tabular material.
- Example: CA for California, NY for New York.
No Periods: Unlike some other abbreviation styles, AP style does not use periods in state abbreviations.
- Correct: WA (Washington)
- Incorrect: W.A.
Full State Names: In running text, state names are typically spelled out in full unless they appear in a dateline or a specific context requiring abbreviation.
- Example: “The conference will take place in Texas next month.”
Datelines: In datelines (the location and date at the beginning of a news story), state abbreviations are always used.
- Example: “SEATTLE, WA, Oct. 15—”
Possessives: When a state abbreviation is used in a possessive form, follow it with an apostrophe.
- Example: “The IL’s economy is growing steadily.”
AP Style State Abbreviations List
Here is the complete list of AP style two-letter state abbreviations:
| State | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Alabama | AL |
| Alaska | AK |
| Arizona | AZ |
| Arkansas | AR |
| California | CA |
| Colorado | CO |
| Connecticut | CT |
| Delaware | DE |
| Florida | FL |
| Georgia | GA |
| Hawaii | HI |
| Idaho | ID |
| Illinois | IL |
| Indiana | IN |
| Iowa | IA |
| Kansas | KS |
| Kentucky | KY |
| Louisiana | LA |
| Maine | ME |
| Maryland | MD |
| Massachusetts | MA |
| Michigan | MI |
| Minnesota | MN |
| Mississippi | MS |
| Missouri | MO |
| Montana | MT |
| Nebraska | NE |
| Nevada | NV |
| New Hampshire | NH |
| New Jersey | NJ |
| New Mexico | NM |
| New York | NY |
| North Carolina | NC |
| North Dakota | ND |
| Ohio | OH |
| Oklahoma | OK |
| Oregon | OR |
| Pennsylvania | PA |
| Rhode Island | RI |
| South Carolina | SC |
| South Dakota | SD |
| Tennessee | TN |
| Texas | TX |
| Utah | UT |
| Vermont | VT |
| Virginia | VA |
| Washington | WA |
| West Virginia | WV |
| Wisconsin | WI |
| Wyoming | WY |
Exceptions and Special Cases
District of Columbia: Abbreviated as DC (no periods), but it is not a state.
- Example: “WASHINGTON, DC—”
Military Addresses: When addressing military installations, use the full state name or the abbreviation as appropriate.
- Example: “Fort Hood, Texas” or “Fort Hood, TX.”
Non-U.S. Territories: Territories like Puerto Rico (PR) and Guam (GU) follow the same two-letter abbreviation rule.
Practical Applications
- Journalism: AP style abbreviations are essential for journalists to maintain consistency in news articles.
- Formal Writing: Academic papers, business documents, and legal writing often adhere to AP style for state abbreviations.
- Digital Content: Websites and social media platforms may use these abbreviations for brevity and clarity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Periods: Never add periods to state abbreviations in AP style.
- Incorrect Abbreviations: Ensure the abbreviation matches the AP style list (e.g., use CA for California, not CAL).
- Overusing Abbreviations: Only abbreviate states in specific contexts like datelines or tables; otherwise, spell them out.
FAQs
When should I use state abbreviations in AP style?
+Use state abbreviations in datelines, short citations, and tabular material. In running text, spell out the full state name unless brevity is necessary.
Are there periods in AP style state abbreviations?
+No, AP style does not use periods in state abbreviations. For example, use CA for California, not C.A.
How do I handle possessives with state abbreviations?
+Add an apostrophe after the abbreviation, such as NY’s for New York’s.
Can I use AP style abbreviations for non-U.S. territories?
+Yes, territories like Puerto Rico (PR) and Guam (GU) follow the same two-letter abbreviation rule.
What is the abbreviation for the District of Columbia?
+The District of Columbia is abbreviated as DC (no periods), though it is not a state.
Conclusion
Mastering AP style state abbreviations is crucial for anyone involved in professional writing, particularly in journalism and formal communication. By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism in your work. Remember to use abbreviations judiciously and always refer to the AP style guide for any uncertainties.
