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Abbreviations

Objective

In this lesson, you’ll learn about common abbreviations.

Previously Covered:

  • In the previous lesson, we discussed capitalization.

For proper nouns and measurements, the abbreviation’s capitalization follows the word’s capitalization.

Proper Noun and Measurements
Full Word Abbreviation
University of Texas UT
American Association of Accordion Players AAAP
foot ft
milliliters ml

You can abbreviate titles, especially when followed by a specific name. Mr., Ms., and Mrs. are almost always abbreviated.

Mr. Keith McCormick

Prof. Jane Richardson

Use certain Latin abbreviations when appropriate, especially in footnotes, bibliographies, and some parenthetical remarks. In most writing, use the English translations instead of the abbreviations.

Latin Abbreviations

Abbreviation:

Stands for:

Definition:
i.e. id est that is
e.g. exempli gratia for example
et al. et alii and others
etc. et cetera and so on
cf. confer compare
N.B. nota bene note well

When Not to Use Abbreviations

Abbreviation and Examples

When not to use it:

When to use it:
Any abbreviation When your readers might not be familiar with the abbreviation. When readers would most likely be familiar with the abbreviation. To introduce readers to an unfamiliar abbreviation, write the word followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
States and Addresses

IL, CA, FL
st., cir., ave., . . .

 Formal writing. Informal writing, address labels.
Days of the Week

Mon., Tues., Wed., . . .

 Formal writing. Informal writing, chart labels.
Months

Jan., Feb., Mar., . . .

 Formal writing. Informal writing, chart labels.
Instant Messaging Shorthand

b4 (before),
lol (lots of laughs).

 Formal writing or informal writing to audiences that might not understand these abbreviations. Instant messaging and informal e-mail.
Written Citation Shorthand

p., ch., vol., . . .

 In the text of formal writing. Written citations, such as footnotes and indexes.

Question

Identify the sentence with the abbreviation error.

  1. Mrs. Grayson told him to watch PBS on Tuesday night.
  2. Damon received his MBA from the University of Ohio.
  3. The curtain rose at precisely 8:00 P.M., and Jason Green stepped to the front of the stage.
  4. I’d walk 1,000 mi. in his shoes any day.

Reveal Answer

Review of Abbreviations

  • Be consistent with punctuation in abbreviations.
  • Abbreviate words with acronyms, titles, and measurements.

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