AP style treats longtime as one word when it acts as a straightforward adjective meaning "formed over a long period" or "established over time," as in longtime friend or longtime subscriber. Use the hyphenated form long-time only before a noun it directly modifies, functioning as an attributive adjective, such as in long-time CEO in headlines. Once the noun follows or the term stands alone, drop the hyphen and write longtime. These choices affect clarity and consistency across headlines, subheads, and body text. Below are practical rules, examples, and editorial checks to apply this guidance reliably.
Core AP style rule for longtime vs long-time
Follow a consistent pattern: use longtime as the default adjective after a noun or as a predicate use, and reserve long-time only when the term sits directly before the noun it modifies. This approach minimizes reader confusion and aligns with standard usage across wire copy and newsroom style guides.
When to write longtime as one word
Write longtime as a single word in most postpositive positions and general descriptive uses that do not directly precede a noun. Examples include:
- She is a longtime subscriber.
- He has been a longtime advocate for transparency.
- Their longtime partnership has shaped the industry.
In these contexts, the term follows the noun or functions as a predicate, so no hyphen is needed under AP style.
When to hyphenate as long-time
Use the hyphenated form long-time only as a compound adjective appearing directly before a noun. This is most common in headlines and labels where space is constrained. Examples include:
- Long-time CEO Maria Lopez announced the initiative.
- The long-time collaborators released a joint statement.
Avoid using the hyphenated form after the noun or in isolation; doing so is inconsistent with AP guidance and can create visual clutter.
Editorial use cases and exceptions
Newsroom practice can extend beyond strict AP guidance for readability, especially in headlines and navigation labels. Prioritize clarity and internal consistency across your publication. Consider these scenarios:
- Headlines and navigation: Long-time may appear in headlines for stylistic alignment, but verify that the noun it modifies is explicit and unambiguous.
- Brand and product names: If a brand officially uses Longtime or Long-Time in its registered name, retain the official capitalization and spelling.
- Direct quotations: Preserve original spelling and punctuation when quoting sources; do not automatically apply house style to quoted material.
Quick reference table
| Context | Preferred form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General adjective postpositive | longtime | e.g., a longtime colleague |
| Hyphenated attributive before noun | long-time | e.g., a long-time colleague in headlines |
| After the noun or in predicates | longtime | e.g., He is a longtime partner |
| Headlines with clear noun | long-time | Use sparingly for scanability |
| Official brand names | Follow the registered name | Do not change trademarked usage |
Practical checklist for editors and writers
- Check position: If the term sits directly before a noun, consider long-time; otherwise default to longtime.
- Confirm the noun is explicit: Hyphenated forms should clearly modify a stated noun, not float alone.
- Run a headline scan: Ensure headlines with long-time still read clearly and do not introduce ambiguity.
- Audit for consistency: Search for both forms in published content and standardize by rule, not preference.
- Preserve trademarks: Respect official spellings in brand and product names regardless of general style.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Avoid inserting hyphens in predicate uses, such as writing the executive is a long-time board member. Also refrain from using the hyphen when the noun is vague or missing, as in long-time has driven growth. These patterns create unnecessary complexity and can distract readers without improving meaning or precision.
Regional and house-style considerations
While AP style prioritizes longtime as the standard, some organizations adopt internal conventions for digital interfaces or SEO where long-time appears more frequently. Document such decisions and apply them consistently across channels. Always align legal or trademark requirements when a brand mandates a specific form.
Why this matters for clarity and consistency
Applying a clear rule around longtime vs long-time reduces friction for readers and supports a polished, professional tone. Consistent usage across articles, headlines, and metadata improves navigation, search behavior alignment, and overall editorial quality. Establishing and communicating this standard helps teams make fast, accurate decisions without repeated back-and-forth.
Quick summary
Use longtime as the default adjective after nouns and in predicates. Reserve long-time for attributive positions directly before a noun, especially in controlled contexts like headlines. Confirm official brand spellings and maintain uniform application across your publication to ensure clarity and reader trust.