Abbreviations
Many abbreviations are followed by a period.
Personal Names
Abbreviate names if a person is commonly known by the abbreviated form of the name. Place a period after each initial, leaving a space between two initials, but not between three or more.
EXAMPLES
- Thomas A. Edison
- Ida B. Wells-Barnett
- T. S. Eliot
- M.F.K. Fisher
Titles
Abbreviate social titles (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Sr., Sra., Dr.) whether they are used before the full name or before the last name alone. Abbreviate civil and military titles used before full names or before initials and last names. Spell out civil and military titles when they are used before last names alone.
EXAMPLES
- Dr. Michelle L. Rodriquez [Social titles are abbreviated.]
- Sen. Mary Janowitz [Civil titles are abbreviated before full names.]
- Prof. J. Garcia [Civil titles are abbreviated before initials and last names.]
- Senator Thomas [Civil titles are spelled out before last names alone.]
Abbreviate titles and academic degrees that come after names.
EXAMPLES
- John Andrews, Jr.
- Janet Meyerson, M.D.
NOTE
Do not use the abbreviations Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr. with a title or degree that appears after a name.
INCORRECT
- Dr. Robert Agarwal, M.D.
CORRECT
- Dr. Robert Agarwal
- Robert Agarwal, M.D.
Agencies, Organizations, and Acronyms
Many agencies and organizations are known by their acronyms. An acronym is formed from the first (or first few) letters of a series of words. When writing, spell out the first use of the name of the agency or organization. After that, you may use the acronym. Do not use periods in acronyms.
EXAMPLES
- PBS
Public Broadcasting Service - HSUS
Humane Society of the United States
Geographical Terms
Spell out names of states and political units in regular text. Abbreviate names of states and political units in tables, notes, and bibliographies.
- TEXT
Have you ever been to Portland, Oregon, or Memphis, Tennessee? - TABLE OR NOTE
Portland, Ore.
Memphis, Tenn.
Spell out the words of an address in regular text. Words in a letter address or in tables and notes may be abbreviated. Use two-letter state abbreviations only when the ZIP Code is included.
- TEXT
My sister moved to 4523 Woodlawn Avenue, Seattle, Washington. - ENVELOPE
4523 Woodlawn Ave. Seattle, WA 78564 - TABLE
Westlake Dr.
| Albuquerque, N. Mex. |
Time
Always abbreviate A.D. (anno Domini), B.C. (before Christ), A.M. (ante meridiem), and P.M. (post meridiem). Spell out the names of months and days in regular text. The names of months and days can be abbreviated in tables, notes, and bibliographies.
EXAMPLES
- This tomb was sealed in 1355 B.C., and it was opened in A.D. 1786.
- The bridge will open at 9:00 A.M. tomorrow, Monday, August 21.
- NOTE
Fri., Oct. 12
Units of Measurement
Spell out the names of units of measurement in regular text. They may be abbreviated in tables and notes following a number. Abbreviations for units of measurement are usually written without periods, but in., the abbreviation for inch, always has a period to avoid confusion with the word in.
- TEXT
The room measured seven feet by twelve feet. [The unit of measurement feet is spelled out in regular text.] - TABLE OR NOTE
26 in.
2 c water
1 doz eggs [Abbreviated measurements are written without periods, except for in. for inch.]