Abbreviations

In general, it’s better not to use abbreviations, but sometimes it is necessary in writing to avoid redundancy.

1. Use standard abbreviation for titles immediately before and after proper names
   

   Before proper names	After proper names
   Mr. Rafael Zabala	Thomas Hines Jr.
   Dr. Margaret Simmons	Anita Lor, PhD
   The Rev. John Stone	Robert Simkowski, MD
   Prof. James Russo	Polly Stein, DDS

   Note: Do not abbreviate a title if it isn’t used with a proper name.
   Incorrect: My history prof is an expert on race relations in South Africa.
   Correct: My history professor is an expert on race relations in South Africa.

 

2. Use abbreviations only when sure the reader will understand them. Ex: CIA, FBI, IOU, NAACP

 

3. Use BC, ADm a.m., p.m., No., and $ only with specific dates, times, numbers, and amounts
   

   40 BC (or 40 BCE)	4:00 a.m. (or AM)	No. 12 (or no. 12)
   AD 44 (or 44 CE)	6:00 p.m. (or PM)	$150

 

4. Be sparing in using Latin abbreviations like e.g., et al, etc.
   *In formal writing, it’s best to use the appropriate English phrases

 

5. Avoid inappropriate abbreviations
   

   	Right	Wrong
   Names	Charles	Chas.
   Measurement	pound	lb.
   Days	Monday	Mon.
   Holidays	Christmas	Xmas
   Months	February	Feb.
   Courses of study	Political Science	PolySci
   Divisions of written works	Chapter	Chap.
   States and Countries	Massachusetts	Mass. or MA
   Parts of business name	Adams Lighting Company	Adams Lighting Co.