*Disclaimer* Interactive Producers at Agency Entourage pride themselves on their ability to write. We bust our tails and produce fresh content for our clients. We make sure our content is error-free by following AP Style.
One thing all Interactive Producers at Agency Entourage have in common is our love of writing. It’s something we’re all passionate about and also something we spend the majority of our days doing. When you write as much as we do, you’re bound to run into a few weird grammar and punctuation “situations” a day.
AP Style is far and away the best writing format around. Okay, now that I have pledged my AP Style allegiance, it’s time to complain.
I know. The grammar rule I have the most hatred towards is super small. I guarantee you most people don’t even think about it. It’s actually what inspired me to write this blog.
What Grinds My Gears
I can’t stand the fact “a.m.” and “p.m.” need punctuation after each letter.
It makes zero sense and ruins the way a sentence looks. Some may argue, ‘but Michael, if you didn’t use punctuation the reader may think you’re saying “am” and get confused.’
I can’t get my head around how an American adult could possibly mix this up. For starters, the designated time always preludes the use of “a.m.” and “p.m.” No one has ever said 6:30 “am” unless they stuttered.
The English language is littered with words that have multiple meanings. (That’s what makes it so hard to learn if it’s not your first language). I propose we remove the dumb periods from am and pm. Heck, think about how many keystrokes we can save by eliminating them. It’s a win-win.
Grammar Rules That Bug Other Interactive Producers
- “ Seventy-five percent of the time I’m in a grammar pickle, the AP Stylebook doesn’t even cover what I need.”–Amanda Munster
- “We need to reevaluate the way we abbreviate states. It should be consistent. Some have two letters, some have three and some have four. It’s hard to remember. Ain’t nobody got time for that..”–Lauren Atwell
- “I’m with Mike on this one. The punctuation marks in am and pm have to go.” –Jonathan Morris
- “Who vs whom? Does anyone actually use whom anymore?” –Stephanie Arbetter
Agree or disagree? Tell us what you think on Facebook and Twitter. Heck, give me a call at (214) 414-3035. I’d love to hear from you.
