How to Cite Work in AP Style: A Complete Guide

How to Cite Work in AP Style: A Complete Guide

Hey there buddy! So, you wanna learn how to cite work in AP style? That’s awesome! Let me tell ya, it’s like trying to teach a cat to swim. Kind of ridiculous but totally possible. Citing is super important. Like, if you don’t do it, people might think you made everything up or worse, that you copied your cool cousin Larry’s homework again. Don’t be that guy. So let’s dive into the wonderful world of citations! Get ready for some laughs and a few facepalms.

Step 1: Know What AP Style Is

Okay first things first, what on Earth is AP style? Sounds fancy, right? Well, it’s just a way journalists write stuff so they don’t go all crazy with words. It helps keep things clear and neat like your mom’s spice rack. And guess what? Citing gives credit where credit is due! Pretty sweet deal.

Step 2: Pick Your Sources

So now you’re gonna need sources. But not like random websites full of cat memes (even tho those are great). You want books, articles, or videos from real smart folks. If your source makes you feel like an adult who knows stuff, it’s probably good enough!

Step 3: The Author Thingy

When you cite something in AP style, you usually start with the author’s name. But here’s the catch—last name first! Like if Aunt Gertrude wrote a book about baking cookies her name would be Gertrude Smith not Smith Gertrude. So basically it’s all about impressing folks with your last-name-first skills.

Step 4: No Date Drama

In AP style, dates are like socks—super important but no one ever wants to talk about them. When citing something add the date when it was published after the author’s name. In this case it looks like this: “Gertrude Smith, July 22.” Just make sure it doesn’t turn into another family drama at Thanksgiving dinner!

Step 5: Titles Matter

Now let’s talk titles but not “The King of Awesome” kind—more like book titles or article titles. In AP style we put titles in quotes (“like this”). No italics here because apparently that makes editors cranky! So remember “Fabulous Cookie Recipes by Aunt Gertrude” is legit while Aunt Gertrude’s Amazing Life Story is just plain silly.

Step 6: Where’d You Get This?

After you’ve got the author’s name and title down, next comes where you found it—this is called the publication info. It might sound boring but trust me—it can save your life during group projects! You could say “published in Cookie Monthly” and every knows you’re not playing around!

Step 7: Last Touches

Now for the last part—putting everything together! It should look something like this:

Smith, Gertrude. “Fabulous Cookie Recipes.” Cookie Monthly, July 22.

Ta-da! You did it! Now go high-five yourself or do a little dance ’cause you’re basically amazing at citations now!

FAQ Section

Question: Do I have to cite memes too?
Answer: Well unless you’re planning on becoming a meme historian… just stick to real sources pal.

Question: Can I use Wikipedia?
Answer: Ugh okay look use Wikipedia as a starting point but always check reliable sources for real info okay?

Question: What if there are two authors?
Answer: No biggie just list them both! Like “Smith, Gertrude and Brownie Man.” Teamwork makes the dream work!

Question: What if I can’t find a date?
Answer: If there’s no date just put “n.d.” which means no date—notable people say that too!

Question: Can I make up my own citation rules?
Answer: Ha good luck with that buddy! Just stick to AP style or you’ll end up lost in citation-land.

Question: Is this gonna get me an award or something?
Answer: Probably not unless they give awards for sweet citations…but hey at least your teacher won’t fail you!

Question: Are citations really that important?
Answer: Heck yeah!! They show you did your homework and help avoid awkward moments when someone catches ya copying Larry’s work again.

And there ya go friend—you’re now ready to tackle citations like a boss in AP style! Who knew citing could be so much fun? Now go forth and cite away without fear of chaos!