Abbreviations, Contractions and Acronyms
These are the rules governing the use of abbreviations (a shortened form of a word or phrase made by omitting letters), contractions (a shortened version of a word or word group created by omission of internal letters) and acronyms (a shortened form of a phrase or word composed of its initial components).
The general rule
Don't use full stops after any abbreviations, contractions or acronyms and close up space between letters.
Abbreviations
These are formed by omitting letters from the end of a word.
Contractions
These are formed by omitting letters from the middle of a word.
Acronyms
These are formed from the initial letters of words (whether the result is pronounceable as a word or as a series of letters) and should be written as a single string of upper-case letters.
When using an acronym, spell it out in full the first time it is mentioned, with the acronym following in round brackets. Thereafter, use the acronym alone. The only exception to this is if the acronym is mentioned for the first time in a heading or title - instead, ensure it is called out in the first sentence of the body copy.
The decision was made by the University Executive Board (UEB). Further decisions were made by UEB later in the meeting.
For very common acronyms, where the full text is not in general use, you can use the acronym directly.
BBC
Specific abbreviations and contractions
Ampersands
Ampersands should only be used if they are part of official titles or names. Otherwise, spell out "and".
Johnson & Johnson
People's initials
Do not separate people's initials with spaces.
Measurements
When discussing large numbers in text, generally do not use k/m/bn for thousand/million/billion, but instead use the full word. It is acceptable to use these abbreviations in specific situations, such as on posters, or in other places with severely constrained space.
Please note it is acceptable to use km (kilometres) and other such abbreviations, and these should not be confused with quantity abbreviations.
Names of universities, degrees etc
See names and titles for details.
Latin abbreviations
Do not use Latin abbreviations such as "eg" and "etc", but instead use plain English terms.
For "etc", instead use "and others" or simply include complete lists where possible.
For "eg" use "for example" or "such as" instead.
For "ie" use "that is" or simply punctuate before listing.
For "ibid" simply write out the reference in full again. This is not necessarily true for academic writing, where it is permissible.
Return to The University of Nottingham Style Guide