Improve Height Writing: A Style Guide for CMOS & AP

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) prioritizes a formal and detailed approach to writing. When it comes to height, CMOS generally prefers spelling out measurements rather than using numerals. This adds a touch of elegance, particularly suitable for academic papers, books, and formal reports. For more height writing tips, see this helpful guide: height writing guide.

• Example: "The meticulously crafted sculpture stood at five feet, ten inches."

While CMOS does permit the use of abbreviations like "5'10"", these are generally considered less formal and should be used sparingly, particularly in contexts demanding high levels of formality. The written-out version is preferred for maximum clarity and elegance. Moreover, remember to hyphenate compound adjectives describing height: a "five-foot-ten athlete," for example.

Associated Press (AP) Stylebook

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook emphasizes brevity and clarity, making it ideal for journalistic writing, blog posts, and quick updates. AP utilizes numerals for height notations. This straightforward style prioritizes efficiency, crucial in news articles where brevity is paramount.

• Example: "The winning athlete, 6'3", celebrated his victory."

AP style consistently uses numerals for height, typically expressed as "5 feet, 6 inches" or the abbreviated "5'6"". Similar to CMOS, compound adjectives featuring height are always hyphenated: "a six-foot-tall player."

CMOS vs. AP: A Detailed Comparison

This table summarizes the key differences between CMOS and AP styles when notating height:

Choosing the Right Style: Context Matters

Selecting the appropriate style hinges on the context of your writing. Consider the following:

1. Publication's Style Guide: Always defer to the specific style guide mandated by the publication or organization.
2. Target Audience: A formal academic audience might receive the more formal CMOS style more favorably than a general audience who might find AP style more accessible.
3. Writing's Purpose: Is your writing formal or informal? Academic or journalistic? The desired tone guides your choice.

For instance, a scientific paper would benefit from the precision and formality of CMOS, while a news report would gain from the conciseness of AP. Consistency is key; select a style and remain consistent throughout the piece.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Several common errors plague height notation. Avoiding these errors elevates your writing's professionalism:

1. Inconsistent Style: Switching between CMOS and AP within a single piece is highly unprofessional. Choose one style and remain consistent.
2. Mixing Numerals and Words: Combining numerals and spelled-out numbers (e.g., "five feet, 6 inches") creates a jarring effect. Maintain a uniform approach.
3. Incorrect Hyphenation: Incorrect hyphenation of compound adjectives relating to height (e.g., "a five foot tall man") is a grammatically inaccurate. Always hyphenate these phrases.

Practice Exercises

Rewrite the following heights in both CMOS and AP styles:

1. 5'4"
2. 6'1"
3. 5'11"

Answers:

1. CMOS: five feet, four inches; AP: 5 feet, 4 inches or 5'4"
2. CMOS: six feet, one inch; AP: 6 feet, 1 inch or 6'1"
3. CMOS: five feet, eleven inches; AP: 5 feet, 11 inches or 5'11"

Conclusion

Consistent and accurate height notation enhances your writing's professionalism and credibility. By understanding and applying the guidelines of CMOS and AP, you can effectively communicate height in any context. Remember to always consult the appropriate style guide for your specific publication or project. For further reference, consult the official websites of the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook.