California man is first in the US to be charged with smuggling greenhouse gases, prosecutors say

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. It is possible the AP writer took some chemistry courses along the way and knows the distinction.

Last edited Tue Mar 5, 2024, 10:08 AM - Edit history (1)

The U.S. Attorney? Less so.

The AP can't make up quoted material, so the statement ran as delivered. The AP dislikes making corrections along the way.

From the June 2004, 39th edition of "The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law," which is the one I have next to me whenever I'm on the computer:

(sic) Do not use (sic) unless it is in the matter being quoted. To show that an error, peculiar usage or spelling is in the original, use a note to the editors at the top of the story, below the summary line but above the byline."

I would have used an Oxford comma there myself (error, peculiar usage, or spelling), but you know how that goes.

If you write the Associated Press, they might do that.

Thanks for writing.