In writing and editing materials for publication, the University of Memphis relies primarily upon The Associated Press Stylebook. The AP stylebook is the preferred editing reference for materials directed at general audiences. Consequently, it is widely used nationwide in the preparation of text for serial publications, newspapers and marketing materials.
Commas in a list
- Use commas for separation in a list. Do not use a comma before the conjunction at
the end of the list, commonly referred to as an Oxford comma, unless it is needed
to clarify understanding.
- Example: She has served as director of the Center for the Humanities, vice provost for Undergraduate Programs and director of International Programs.
Dashes and hyphens
There are three common dashes of differing lengths used in formatted copy: em dash (—), en dash (–) and hyphen (-).
- Em dash: Use this dash in most print publications and online where appropriate to
denote an abrupt change in thought or to set off an element added for emphasis, explanation
or digression. The em dash should be typeset with one space before and after the dash.
- Example: His start-up company uses medical-grade honey — a major breakthrough in the biomedical world — to create membranes for tissue regeneration far superior to anything currently in use.
- En dash: The en dash is another option to denote an abrupt change in thought or to
set off an element added for emphasis, explanation or digression. The en dash is typically
used in text prepared for the media and in some online text. The en dash should be
typeset with one space before and after the dash.
- Example: For the study, researchers used a variety of techniques – including ground-penetrating radar and 3D laser scanning – to create a highly detailed subsurface map of the area.
- Hyphen: The hyphen is also normally used to separate inclusive dates and numbers.
For this use, hyphen should be typeset.
- Example: February-April, 1989-1995 Pages 21-55
Dates
- Abbreviate longer months as Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. All other
months should always be completely spelled out.
- Example: Tuesday, Aug. 29. May 15.
- Spell out months when they stand on their own without being followed by a date.
- Example: Jan. 12-Feb. 23 April 2019, not April of 2019
- Do not use st, nd, rd or th for numbered dates.
- Example: The fall semester begins on Aug. 29.
Phone numbers
- Use periods when formatting phone numbers.
- Example: 901.678.1234
Symbols
- Use separator bars (|) in place of semicolon when possible. Be sure to use contrasting
colors to divide items.
- Example: August 29-30 | 7-8 PM
Times
- Uppercase AM and PM when they stand alone. Always spell out NOON.
- Example: NOON-1:30 PM
- Lowercase a.m. and p.m. with periods when used in a sentence.
- Example: The seminar will take place from 10 a.m-2 p.m.
- Only use a.m. or p.m. once if times occur in the same part of the day.
- Example: 6:30-8:30 PM
Titles
- Lowercase titles that come after names when written in a sentence.
- Example: The report was prepared by Dr. Kandi Hill-Clarke, dean of the College of Education.
- Use Dr. rather than professor. On subsequent references use only the last name.
- Capitalize titles when they appear in a list or on a program.
- Example: Molly Simpson Executive Director
- Abbreviate political titles.
- Example: Gov. Bill Lee and Sen. Lamar Alexander
University of Memphis Guidelines
For detailed marketing and communications or branding information, click on University of Memphis Guidelines to view the guidelines.