I know it might sound weird to be into a style guide, but there’s something about AP style that just works. It’s more than a bunch of rules; it’s a no-nonsense way to keep writing sharp and to the point. Here’s why I keep turning to AP style whenever I need to get things right.

1. Numbers: Keeping it short and sweet

Let’s start with numbers. Who wants to waste time writing out “twenty-seven” when you can just type “27” and get on with your day? AP style totally gets it. Anything under 10, you spell out—simple enough. But once you hit double digits, it’s all numerals, all the time. It’s like AP style knew nobody wants to slog through “ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall” when “99 bottles of beer” makes life so much easier.

3. Oxford commas? We don’t need the extra baggage. Except when we do

Ah, the Oxford comma—a tiny punctuation mark that causes big drama. Some people swear by it, but AP style says, “If you don’t need it, don’t use it.” It’s all about clarity without the clutter. If the sentence still makes sense without that extra comma, why throw it in? AP style has saved me from countless “Should I or shouldn’t I?” moments. Who knew a comma could cause so much existential dread?

4. Capitalization: Keep it cool, keep it simple

Capitalization can be a real drama queen, but not with AP style. It’s all about chill vibes when it comes to capital letters. Only proper nouns get the spotlight; everything else? Just stay lowercase and keep it humble. AP style doesn’t have time for unnecessary caps, and honestly, neither do we. It’s like the zen master of writing—calm, collected, and efficient.

5. Dates: Straight to the point

Dates in AP style aren’t about fruit or awkward nights out. They’re straightforward and drama-free. None of this “3rd of January” nonsense—just “Jan. 3” and “Feb. 1.” AP style knows we don’t have time for any extra fluff.

9. Ages: Because clarity is key

Let’s talk about ages. In AP style, you’re “5 years old,” not “five years old,” and you’re “a 7-year-old kid,” not “a seven-year-old kid.” It’s all about keeping things clear and avoiding confusion. Because who wants to guess whether to use words or numbers for ages? AP style makes sure everyone’s on the same page—literally.

11. Oddities: The quirky side of AP style

Of course, no love affair is without its quirks, and AP style has its fair share. For example, did you know AP style says to use “numeral” for numbers but “No.” for abbreviating “number”? And then there’s “teenager” but “20-something.” Don’t even get me started on the specific rule for “midnight” and “noon” (they don’t want you writing “12 p.m.” or “12 a.m.”). It’s like AP style just wants to keep us on our toes.

Why this love affair matters

So, why does someone like me—who doesn’t like to take orders or play by arbitrary “rules”—end up loving a style guide? Maybe it’s because AP style isn’t just about rules; it’s about making things clear, cutting the fluff, and getting to the point. It’s almost like the style guide has a rebel streak of its own. Go figure.

So here’s to you, AP style. Thanks for being the punctuation wingman we didn’t know we needed. Stay fabulous, keep those sentences smooth and snappy, and never stop surprising us with your oddities.