By shortening the form of a word or phrase, abbreviations can be used to make writing and communicating easier.Acronyms use the first letter of a phrase as a stand-in to shorten it.When you need to use the long name of an organization over and over, they are useful.abbreviations are used to make texting faster.
Step 1: The first time you use it, define the abbreviation.
The abbreviation must be spelled out the first time you use it.The full name is followed with the abbreviation in parentheses.If you are using the abbreviation for an organization, you should state the name first: "The organization is called Poetry for Poetry's Sake (PPS)."Not every acronym needs to be spelled out."radar" is an acronym which stands for "radio detecting and ranging."
Step 2: Understand the meaning of the words.
Punctuation can be hard to understand when it comes to abbreviations.In American English, honorifics and street name abbreviations are used."Mister" can be shortened to "Mr." or "Ph.D." after someone's name to show she has a degree.If the title is not in front of the person's name, don't shorten it.You wouldn't say, "I went to the doctor," but rather " I went""Ph.D." can be shortened if it is not after a person's name.You say "Street" to "St." or "Terrace"The Post Office has a list of street abbreviations.Don't use periods with units of measure.Don't use periods with abbreviations, such as the one used above: Poetry for Poetry's Sake should be abbreviated "PPS"
Step 3: Make sure to spell out certain words.
It depends on what style guidelines you're using, but don't abbreviate class names or state names in most formal writing.AP Style has rules about abbreviating state names.Don't shorten regular words such as "your" to "yr" or "through" in formal writing.
Step 4: When appropriate, use Latin abbreviations.
Latin abbreviations can be used.Check the style guidelines for the piece to make sure it's appropriate for what you're writing."etc." can be used for example."et al" means "and so forth."Use "i.e." for "et alii" or "and others."Use "e.g." for "id est" or "that is."For example, for exempl gratia.
Step 5: Don't say the same thing over and over.
If you want to use "OCC" for an acronym for Oklahoma Community College, you shouldn't do it.You will only confuse readers if you double up.
Step 6: Be consistent.
Each style guidelines requires you to use abbreviations slightly differently.Consistency is an important rule of abbreviations.If you choose an abbreviation, make sure you write it the same way throughout the document.For instance, if you choose to use the acronym "PPS" for the organization "Poetry for Poetry's Sake", don't suddenly change to "PFPS" partway through the paper.
Step 7: Don't use abbreviations too much.
If you have too many abbreviations in one text, it can confuse readers.Don't try to shorten "subject" or "object" in academic paper just because you use them often.Most people know standard abbreviations and organization names.
Step 8: Don't use abbreviations for repeat offenders.
It's not worth the confusion if you just define an acronym and only use it once or twice.Just spell it out if you're only going to use it a few times.
Step 9: Follow the crowd.
Textspeak online and on phones is all about breaking the rules, in many ways it's as formal as abbreviations in other forms.Through widespread use, certain abbreviations have become standard.Textspeak refers to the language and spelling that has developed since the advent of texting.Some people use "haha" instead of "laughing out loud" when referring to an acronym online.Capitalizing "LOL" is no longer compulsory; some people may use "lol" instead.You can find any number of abbreviation dictionaries online that give definitions for textspeak, such as on Webopedia.
Step 10: Understand that language is changeable.
Some groups will use their own jargon or deviate from the norm.People tend to use fewer abbreviations online, so online text often deviates from texting abbreviations.The only sites that restrict the number of characters a person can use are sites like Twitter.
Step 11: You can make your own rules.
Textspeak tends to change as it needs, even though it's good to use abbreviations when they already exist.If the other person can understand what you're saying, you can shorten words, replace complicated spellings with simpler ones, and make your own contractions.You can leave vowels out as well.
Step 12: It's a good idea to know when to stop talking.
Textspeak has its limits.It's a good idea to use regular spellings when you communicate with a colleague, your boss, or just someone who is a bit older.Older generations frown on this type of texting, but that's not the case across the board.It's best to keep it out of professional and work settings with the exception of like-minded peers.Do not abbreviate if you are writing a business email.Use clear language and full words.