The Correct Use of Dates and Times in AP Style

 

In writing—whether news articles, blogs, business communication, or academic papers—clear and consistent presentation of dates and times is essential. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook offers widely accepted standards used by journalists and writers around the world to ensure uniformity and readability.

This article explains the correct use of dates and times in AP style, providing practical examples and tips to help you master this important aspect of professional writing.

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Why AP Style for Dates and Times?

The AP Stylebook is the go-to resource for journalists, editors, and many professional writers. It provides straightforward, consistent rules designed to keep writing clear and concise, especially important when communicating information quickly and accurately.

Dates and times are frequently used details in news stories and reports, so mastering AP style rules can make your writing appear polished and trustworthy.

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Correct Use of Dates in AP Style

1. Months

• Abbreviate the names of months when used with a specific date (except March, April, May, June, and July, which are never abbreviated).

• Use the following abbreviations: Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

Examples:

• The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15.

• She was born on March 3.

2. Dates

• Use numerals for dates without “st,” “nd,” “rd,” or “th.”

• Place a comma between the date and the year.

Examples:

• The event takes place on Oct. 5, 2025.

• The deadline is July 1, 2024.

• When a date stands alone without a year, do not use a comma.

Example:

• The party is on May 21.

3. Years

• Use numerals for years without commas between the century and the year.

• When the year is used with a specific date, place a comma after the year.

Example:

• She graduated in 1998.

• The deadline is Feb. 28, 2025.

4. Decades

• Use numerals without an apostrophe before the “s” to denote decades.

Examples:

• The 1980s were a transformative decade.

• Music from the 1920s is still popular.

• Do not abbreviate decades by omitting the first two digits unless clarity is not compromised.

Example:

• The ‘60s are known for cultural revolutions. (Informal usage)

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Correct Use of Times in AP Style

1. Use Figures and a.m./p.m.

• Use numerals to express time except for noon and midnight, which are always spelled out.

• Lowercase a.m. and p.m., and include periods with a space between the numeral and the abbreviation.

Examples:

• The train arrives at 9:30 a.m..

• The meeting starts at 4 p.m..

• The office closes at noon.

• The event ends at midnight.

2. On the Hour

• When the time is exactly on the hour, do not use “:00” — simply write the number with a.m. or p.m.

Examples:

• The show starts at 7 p.m., not 7:00 p.m.

• The store opens at 10 a.m..

3. Time Ranges

• Use to (not a hyphen) to express a range of time.

Example:

• The conference runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

4. Avoid Redundancy

• Do not use 12 p.m. or 12 a.m. to refer to noon or midnight; instead, spell out “noon” or “midnight.”

• Avoid redundant phrases like “8 o’clock in the morning.” Instead, say “8 a.m.”

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Additional AP Style Date and Time Tips

Dates and Days of the Week

• When referring to days of the week with a date, place the day before the date and separate with a comma.

Example:

• The meeting will be held on Monday, March 14.

Decades and Centuries

• Centuries are spelled out with lowercase letters and use numerals.

Example:

• The 21st century has seen rapid technological advances.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect: “April 3rd, 2025” (Do not use ordinal suffixes in dates)

• Correct: “April 3, 2025”

• Incorrect: “9AM” or “9 Am” (No uppercase and no space)

• Correct: “9 a.m.”

• Incorrect: “From 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.” (Use “to” instead of hyphen)

• Correct: “From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

• Incorrect: “December, 25” (No comma between month and date)

• Correct: “December 25”

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Why Consistency Matters

Consistent application of AP style rules helps maintain professional quality and clarity, especially for audiences consuming information quickly. For news readers, clarity around dates and times ensures there’s no confusion about when events are scheduled or occurred.

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Summary Table: Dates and Times in AP Style

Element	Rule	Example
Months (abbreviation)	Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec. (March, April, May, June, July never abbreviated)	Jan. 15, Feb. 2
Dates	Numerals without “st,” “nd,” etc.; comma before year	Oct. 5, 2025
Years	Numerals; no comma in standalone years; comma after year when with date	1998; Oct. 5, 2025
Times	Use numerals + a.m./p.m.; spell out noon/midnight; space before a.m./p.m.	9:30 a.m., 4 p.m., noon
Time on the hour	No “:00” needed	7 p.m., 10 a.m.
Time ranges	Use “to” between times	10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Decades	Numerals, no apostrophe	1980s
Centuries	Spelled out, lowercase	21st century

Conclusion

Mastering the correct use of dates and times in AP style is a valuable skill for any writer, editor, or communicator aiming for clarity and professionalism. By following these straightforward rules, you ensure your writing is both accurate and easy to understand across a global audience.

If you write news articles, blog posts, press releases, or any professional documents, adopting AP style for dates and times will help your work meet industry standards and engage readers effectively.