AP style question

We have an English columnist who has the word "learnt" in his latest piece. I've seen this variation on "learned" before, but I'm not sure if it's AP style or not. Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Doesn't sound like AP style, although if it's a word, it's a word. Might want to ask the copy desk. It might be an issue of local style.

 

Or open a dictionary. Look under the AP style entry for dictionaries if you want to follow AP style to the letter.

 

you're insightful.

 

The stylebook can't tackle everything. And the entry on dictionaries outlines an accepted book and how to decide which word to use. From the question, it sounded like advice that was needed.

 

What I would have done.

 

You said he was English. "Learnt" is probably accepted usage over there; they use a lot of what we consider archaic forms such as "whilst" and "amongst".

 

And besides, it's a column. Within broad paramaters, he should be able to have his own "voice" without having it edited down to a fine powder.

 

The dictionary says it is "chiefly Brit."

I'd let it go. Let him be English.

And, with your screen name being a "Little Britain" reference, you should be OK with it, too.

 

Darn English, first he's going to use learnt, then he's going to want to start driving on the left side of the road. I say let him. That'll learnt him.

Seriously, if it's a column I'd give it a reluctant yes. Otherwise no. Has he tried using "colours" yet? Or a Royale with cheese? Or, "bloody good show." That's about as far as my knowledge of the Queen's English goes. Long live the Queen, and Freddy Mercury.

 

It's called a Quarter Pounder in the UK. I think it's a Royale in France.

 

France, England.
Its all the same to middle America