In AP style, how should you handle abbreviations and acronyms in a story?

• A. Spell out on first reference with the abbreviation in parentheses, then use the abbreviation thereafter.
• B. Use the abbreviation on first reference and never spell out.
• C. Always spell out and never use abbreviations.
• D. Use abbreviations only in headlines

Answer: (A)

In AP style, handle abbreviations by spelling out the full term on its first reference and including the abbreviation in parentheses, then use the abbreviation thereafter. This ensures readers know what the acronym stands for and lets you keep later references concise. For example: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a statement. The FBI later clarified... Using the abbreviation on first reference without spelling out can confuse readers, spelling out every time makes the text heavier, and abbreviations are not limited only to headlines in standard body text.