APA & MLA Styles

Overview of Abbreviation Guidelines

1) Before using an abbreviation, include the full spelling of the phrase followed by the abbreviation in parenthesis.

• Only introduce an abbreviation if you will use the abbreviation at least three times in the chapter. Once the abbreviation is introduced, only use the abbreviation.

Examples:

Abbreviation with an in-text citation:

• Introduction to the term: The Center for Disease Control (CDC, 2019) stated...
• Subsequent use of the term: The CDC (2019) suggests…

Abbreviation in Text:

• Introduction to the term: Paid time off (PTO) is offered… 
• Subsequent use of the term: Employees use PTO…

2) If an abbreviation is listed in the dictionary and the listing is not labeled "abbr," it can be used in the text without a definition. 

Examples:

• AIDS
• ACTH
• ESP
• HIV

3) Except for units of measurement, abbreviations can be written as both singular or plural abbreviations.

Examples: 

• An early intervention service (EIS) is... EISs are used...

4) Some abbreviations should include periods.

Examples: 

• Use periods when abbreviating names: J. M. Smith
• If abbreviating the United States, abbreviate it as "U.S." only when the abbreviation is used as an adjective. If abbreviating the "United Kingdom," abbreviate it as "U.K." Examples: U.K.flag, U.S. Treasury. When referring to a county as a noun, spell out the country's name. Example: The United States is an amazing place to live. 
• Use periods without spaces for Latin abbreviations: a.m., i.e., e.g. 

5) Time: When writing about specific time-related information, be sure to follow these guidelines. 

• Do abbreviate the words “hour,” “minute,” “second,”
• Do not abbreviate the words “day,” “week,” “month,” and “year,” even when they are accompanied by numeric values.

Examples: 

• Hour: hr
  • 5 hr
• Minute: min 
  • 20 min
• Second: s 
  • 5 s

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