ap style more than vs over

Lemon

2 min read

·

03-02-2025

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The seemingly simple choice between "more than" and "over" often trips up writers, even seasoned ones. While both can express quantities exceeding a certain number, AP Style, the journalistic style guide followed by many publications, offers clear guidelines on their appropriate usage. Understanding these nuances ensures your writing is precise, consistent, and adheres to professional standards.

The AP Style Rule: Precision in Numbers

The key difference lies in the level of precision and the context. AP Style generally prefers "more than" when dealing with approximate figures or large numbers. "Over," on the other hand, is typically reserved for situations involving physical measurements or locations.

Let's delve deeper into each scenario:

When to Use "More Than"

• Approximations: When the exact number isn't known or isn't crucial, "more than" is the better choice. For example: "More than 100 people attended the rally." This suggests a number exceeding 100, but doesn't imply an exact count.

• Large Numbers: For extremely large numbers, "more than" reads more naturally and avoids the potential for awkward phrasing. Instead of "Over 1 million people viewed the video," consider "More than 1 million people viewed the video."

• Emphasis on Magnitude: Sometimes "more than" emphasizes the sheer scale of something, rather than focusing on the exact quantity. Consider the difference between: "Over 50% of the population..." and "More than 50% of the population..." The latter can subtly highlight the significant portion involved.

When to Use "Over"

• Physical Measurements: "Over" is generally preferred when discussing height, length, weight, or other physical measurements. For instance: "The bridge is over 100 feet long." Here, "over" indicates the bridge exceeds 100 feet.

• Locations: When describing locations, "over" is suitable. "The plane flew over the mountains" conveys a clear spatial relationship. The plane was situated above the mountain range.

• Specific thresholds: In certain cases, 'over' might be preferred for indicating that a threshold has been surpassed. For example: "Over the speed limit" conveys exceeding a specific, legally defined limit.

Examples Illustrating the Difference

To solidify your understanding, consider these examples:

Conclusion: Context is Key

The choice between "more than" and "over" isn't always black and white. Context plays a vital role. By carefully considering the nature of the numbers and the overall meaning, you can ensure consistent and precise usage that adheres to AP Style guidelines. This attention to detail enhances readability and strengthens the credibility of your writing.