What is the correct formatting for times in AP style?

• A. lowercase a.m. and p.m. with periods
• B. uppercase A.M./P.M. without periods
• C. Omit space between time and period
• D. Use numbers with no colon

Answer: (A)

In AP style, times are written using the 12-hour clock with numerals, and the designators a.m. and p.m. in lowercase with periods. There’s a space between the time and the designation, and a colon is used to separate hours and minutes (for example, 9:15 a.m. or 2:45 p.m.). This format keeps the writing clear and consistent. Uppercase A.M./P.M. without periods isn’t used in AP, and omitting the space or using no colon would make the time less readable or not fit AP conventions. That’s why lowercase a.m. and p.m. with periods is the best choice.