Is Mayor Capitalized in AP Style?
In the world of journalism and writing, style guides are essential tools that dictate how information should be presented. One of the most widely used style guides is the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. It provides guidelines on grammar, punctuation, and usage for journalists, writers, and editors across various media outlets. One common question that arises is whether the word “mayor” should be capitalized in AP Style. Let’s delve into this topic and understand the rules surrounding the capitalization of “mayor.”
Understanding AP Style Capitalization Rules
The Associated Press Stylebook offers specific rules for capitalizing job titles, including those of political officials. According to the AP Stylebook, job titles should generally be lowercase unless they precede a proper noun or are used in a formal title. This means that in most cases, “mayor” should be written in lowercase.
Exceptions to the Rule
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If “mayor” is used as a formal title, it should be capitalized. For instance, when referring to the mayor of a specific city, the title should be capitalized. Examples include “The Mayor of New York City” or “Mayor Michael Bloomberg.” In these cases, the word “mayor” is capitalized because it is part of a formal title.
Capitalizing Mayor in Different Contexts
It’s important to note that the capitalization of “mayor” can vary depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few examples:
1. In a sentence: “The mayor of our city is planning to attend the conference.”
2. In a headline: “Mayor to Attend Conference on Urban Development”
3. In a title: “The Mayor’s Role in Environmental Protection”
In all these cases, the word “mayor” is lowercase unless it is part of a formal title or used as a proper noun.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Associated Press Stylebook recommends using lowercase for the word “mayor” in most contexts. However, there are exceptions when “mayor” is used as a formal title or in specific situations where it is part of a proper noun. Understanding these rules will help writers and editors adhere to the guidelines set forth by the AP Stylebook and ensure consistency in their work.
