In AP Style, citing sources is about providing clear and concise attribution within the text rather than using in-text citations or footnotes as in some other styles. Here’s a guide on how to properly attribute sources in AP Style, along with examples:
General Guidelines
Direct Quotes
- Use quotation marks around the exact words of the source.
- Follow the quote with “said” and the source’s name, usually with their title or position.
- For longer titles, place the title before the name and set off by commas.
Examples:
- “We will launch the new product in October,” said Jane Doe, marketing director at TechCorp.
- “The economic outlook for next year is optimistic,” said John Smith, chief economist at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
- “Our new policy will improve community relations,” said Police Chief Michael Brown.
Paraphrasing
- When summarizing information from a source without quoting directly, still attribute the information to the source.
- Use phrases like “according to,” “stated,” “reported,” etc.
Examples:
- According to Dr. Emily White, the new treatment has shown promising results in early trials.
- The company plans to expand its operations to Europe by 2022, stated CEO Alan Green.
- Maria Johnson, a spokeswoman for the Environmental Protection Agency, reported that pollution levels have decreased significantly this year.
Public Statements or Documents:
- Clearly reference the origin of the information.
- Use terms like “in a press release,” “according to the report,” etc.
Examples:
- The new regulations will take effect next month, according to a press release from the Department of Health.
- The report from the United Nations states that global hunger has risen by 5% this year.
- In a statement, the governor announced a state of emergency in response to the hurricane.
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