When referencing ages in writing, the Associated Press (AP) Style Guide provides clear guidelines to ensure clarity, consistency, and respect. The AP Style Guide is widely used in journalism and other forms of writing, offering a standard for age references that helps avoid confusion and promotes professionalism. Here’s how to refer to ages according to the AP Style Guide:
Hyphens with Ages: When ages are used as compounds before a noun, they should be hyphenated. For example: “The 5-year-old boy” or “a 10-year-old girl.” However, if the phrase comes after the noun it modifies, no hyphen is needed: “The boy is 5 years old” or “The girl, 10 years old, participated.”
Numerals vs. Words: The AP Style Guide recommends using numerals for all ages, except at the beginning of a sentence. For example: “Five-year-old children should not be left alone,” but “The child is 5 years old.” When an age is the first word of a sentence, it’s preferable to rephrase to avoid beginning with a numeral, but if starting with a numeral is necessary for clarity or flow, the numeral should be used.
Ranges and Decades: When referring to age ranges, use numerals and hyphens: “people in their 20-30s” or “children aged 5-8.” For decades, use an apostrophe to indicate the possessive form of the decade: “She grew up in the ‘60s.”
Birthday and Anniversary References: When mentioning birthdays or anniversaries, the style guide suggests using the phrase “turned” or “will turn” to indicate the age the person will be on their birthday. For example: “She turned 21 last week” or “He will turn 50 next year.”
Respectful Language: It’s also crucial to use language that is respectful and appropriate when referring to different age groups. Avoid terms that might be perceived as derogatory or dismissive. Instead, opt for neutral and respectful language that focuses on the person rather than their age.
Consistency: Consistency is key when applying these guidelines. Ensure that ages are referenced in the same manner throughout the text to maintain clarity and coherence.
By following these guidelines from the AP Style Guide, writers can ensure that their references to ages are accurate, respectful, and consistent, which contributes to clear and effective communication.
Using Ages in Different Contexts
Understanding how to apply these guidelines in various contexts is also important. For instance, in academic or professional writing, the focus might be more on numerical precision and less on stylistic variations. However, in creative writing or personal blogs, there might be more flexibility in how ages are presented, though clarity and respectfulness should always be prioritized.
The Importance of Sensitivity
Sensitivity to the audience and the context of the writing is also crucial. Different cultures or communities may have varying norms around age and how it is discussed. Being aware of these differences can help in crafting writing that is not only stylistically correct but also culturally sensitive and considerate.
In conclusion, the AP Style Guide offers a set of clear guidelines for referencing ages in writing, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and respect. By understanding and applying these guidelines, writers can communicate effectively and professionally, making their content accessible and engaging for a wide range of readers.
