Understanding AP Style State Abbreviations
In journalism and professional writing, consistency is key. The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook provides clear guidelines for abbreviating U.S. state names, ensuring uniformity across publications. Unlike traditional two-letter USPS abbreviations, AP style reserves full state names for most contexts, abbreviating only in specific instances. This approach prioritizes readability and clarity, particularly in news writing.
When to Abbreviate States in AP Style
AP style abbreviates states in the following scenarios:
1. Tables, charts, and lists where space is limited.
2. Dateline entries (e.g., “WASHINGTON, D.C.—”).
3. In-text references to specific states when paired with a city (e.g., “Sacramento, Calif.”).
For all other cases, such as standalone mentions or narrative text, AP style mandates using the full state name.
AP Style State Abbreviations List
Below is the complete list of AP-approved state abbreviations:
| State | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Ala. |
| Alaska | Alaska |
| Arizona | Ariz. |
| Arkansas | Ark. |
| California | Calif. |
| Colorado | Colo. |
| Connecticut | Conn. |
| Delaware | Del. |
| Florida | Fla. |
| Georgia | Ga. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii |
| Idaho | Idaho |
| Illinois | Ill. |
| Indiana | Ind. |
| Iowa | Iowa |
| Kansas | Kan. |
| Kentucky | Ky. |
| Louisiana | La. |
| Maine | Maine |
| Maryland | Md. |
| Massachusetts | Mass. |
| Michigan | Mich. |
| Minnesota | Minn. |
| Mississippi | Miss. |
| Missouri | Mo. |
| Montana | Mont. |
| Nebraska | Neb. |
| Nevada | Nev. |
| New Hampshire | N.H. |
| New Jersey | N.J. |
| New Mexico | N.M. |
| New York | N.Y. |
| North Carolina | N.C. |
| North Dakota | N.D. |
| Ohio | Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Okla. |
| Oregon | Ore. |
| Pennsylvania | Pa. |
| Rhode Island | R.I. |
| South Carolina | S.C. |
| South Dakota | S.D. |
| Tennessee | Tenn. |
| Texas | Texas |
| Utah | Utah |
| Vermont | Vt. |
| Virginia | Va. |
| Washington | Wash. |
| West Virginia | W.Va. |
| Wisconsin | Wis. |
| Wyoming | Wyo. |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overusing abbreviations: Never abbreviate a state name in standalone text (e.g., “The governor of CA spoke today” is incorrect).
- Confusing AP with USPS: USPS uses two-letter codes (e.g., “CA”), while AP style abbreviates differently (e.g., “Calif.”).
- Inconsistent punctuation: Always include a period in AP abbreviations unless the state is never abbreviated (e.g., Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas, Utah).
Historical Context
AP style abbreviations evolved from telegraphic brevity in the early 20th century. As journalism adapted to digital formats, the guidelines shifted to prioritize clarity over shorthand, though exceptions remain for space-constrained contexts.
Practical Application Example
Incorrect: “The conference will be held in TX next month.”
Correct: “The conference will be held in Texas next month.”
Correct (paired with city): “The event in Austin, Texas, sold out quickly.”
Can I use USPS abbreviations in AP style writing?
+No, USPS two-letter codes (e.g., "CA") are not AP style compliant. Use AP-specific abbreviations like "Calif."
Do I abbreviate states in a full address?
+No, full addresses use the complete state name (e.g., "123 Main St., Springfield, Illinois 62701").
Why doesn’t AP abbreviate Texas or Ohio?
+These states, along with Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, and Utah, are never abbreviated in AP style due to their short length.
Conclusion
Mastering AP style state abbreviations enhances professionalism and ensures consistency in writing. By adhering to these guidelines, writers avoid common errors and maintain clarity for readers. Whether crafting news articles or corporate reports, this simplified guide serves as a reliable reference for accurate state abbreviation usage.
