Washington D.C.: Deciphering the Dreaded "D.C." in AP Style
Ah, Washington D.C. The land of power suits, cherry blossoms, and... punctuation confusion? Yes, friends, navigating the murky waters of AP style's take on Washington D.C. can be trickier than dodging a rogue selfie stick at the Lincoln Memorial. But fear not, fellow wordsmiths! Today, we'll unravel the mystery and have you writing "Washington D.C." like a seasoned political pundit in no time.
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| How Do You Write Washington D.c. In Ap Style |
The Great D.C. Debate: To Abbreviate or Not to Abbreviate?
Let's face it, "D.C." is satisfyingly short and rolls off the tongue easier than a mouthful of alphabet soup. However, according to the AP style gods (may their red pens forever be filled!), you should never abbreviate "Washington D.C." Instead, use the full name "Washington, D.C." on first reference.
This might have you reaching for the metaphorical fainting couch, but there's a method to the madness. By using the full name, we avoid any confusion with, well, Washington State. Imagine the horror of accidentally booking a flight to Seattle for a congressional hearing!
Subsequent References: Keeping it Clear and Concise
So, you've bravely used the full "Washington, D.C." on first reference. Congratulations! But what about subsequent mentions? Do you have to keep writing that whole arm workout of a phrase?
Thankfully, AP style offers a reprieve. For subsequent references, you can simply use "Washington" or "the district." This keeps things clear and concise without resorting to the dreaded abbreviation.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Here's an example to illustrate:
President Smith arrived in Washington, D.C. yesterday for a series of meetings. During his visit, he toured the White House and met with congressional leaders in the district.
See? Easy as pie (or cherry pie, if you're feeling particularly patriotic).
Bonus Tip: Those Commas Matter!
A quick note on those pesky commas. When using "Washington, D.C.," always separate the city and state with commas. This is just good grammar practice, folks.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Here's the wrong way:
President Smith arrived in Washington D.C. yesterday. (Yikes!)
Here's the right way:
President Smith arrived in Washington, D.C. yesterday. (Much better!)
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
FAQ: Mastering Washington D.C. in AP Style
1. How to write "Washington D.C." on first reference?
Use the full name: Washington, D.C.
2. How to write "Washington D.C." in subsequent references?
Use "Washington" or "the district."
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
3. Do I need commas with "Washington, D.C."?
Yes! Separate the city and state with commas: Washington, D.C.
4. Can I ever use "D.C."?
Technically, no. AP style discourages it. But, if you're writing a casual email or social media post, it's generally understood.
5. What if I'm writing about both Washington State and Washington D.C.?
Be clear! Use the full names: Washington state and Washington, D.C.
So there you have it! With this newfound knowledge, you can conquer "Washington D.C." in AP style with confidence. Now, go forth and write with clarity and precision! Remember, even the most powerful politicians started somewhere, so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries. Just keep practicing, and you'll be a Washington D.C. writing whiz in no time!
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