Always spell out first names.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect:

    1. Wm. Taft
    2. Geo. Washington
    3. Chas. Attwater

Correct:

    1. William Taft
    2. George Washington
    3. Charles Attwater

 

Abbreviations of titles:

  1. Spell out titles when they appear with the last name only.
  2. Titles may be abbreviated when both the first and last names appear together.
  3. Abbreviate academic degrees and professional designations following names.
  4. Do not abbreviate a position title in a letter address.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect:

    1. Sen. Proxmire
    2. Gen. Powell
    3. Atty. Bryant
    4. Mr. Franklin Pierce, Treas.
      Barrister Implements
      378 East Belmont Avenue
      Fresno, CA 93701-1603

Correct:

    1. Senator Proxmire or Sen. James Proxmire
    2. General Powell or Gen. Colin Powell.
    3. Attorney Bryant or Atty. Greg Bryant
    4. Mr. Franklin Pierce, Treasurer
      Barrister Implements
      378 East Belmont Avenue
      Fresno, CA 93701-1603

 

Abbreviations of group names and organizations.

Write abbreviations without periods for agency names, broadcasting companies, unions, and other similar groups.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect:

    1. A.A.A.
    2. F.B.I.
    3. I.R.S.
    4. A.M.A.
    5. N.A.A.C.P.

Correct:

    1. AAA
    2. FBI
    3. IRS
    4. AMA
    5. NAACP

 

Abbreviations of time designations:

  1. Abbreviate time designations with periods.
  2. Abbreviate standard time zones without periods.
  3. Do not abbreviate days and months except in limited spaces such as tables or business forms.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect:

    1. AD
    2. am
    3. E.S.T.
    4. BC
    5. PM
    6. Their Grand Opening was held on Mon., Aug. 19, 1999.

Correct:

    1. A.D.
    2. a.m.
    3. EST
    4. B.C.
    5. p.m.
    6. Their Grand Opening was held on Monday, August 19, 1999.

 

Abbreviations in addresses:

  1. Spell out street addresses, with the exception of directions (N. E. S. W.).
  2. With ZIP codes, use state abbreviations in all capital letters without periods. Do not use the two-letter state abbreviations without ZIP codes.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect:

    1. 2310 Lee Ave., Northwest
    2. 200 S. Main St.
    3. San Diego, CA

Correct:

    1. 2310 Lee Avenue, NW
    2. 200 S. Main Street
    3. San Diego, California or San Diego, CA 92101-7006

 

Abbreviations of weights and measures.

Weights and measures may be abbreviated in technical writing and on business forms, but not in text.

EXAMPLES

Incorrect:

    1. The amount used was 3 oz.
    2. Total loss was 368 gals.
    3. The underwriter weighed 268 lbs.

Correct:

    1. The amount used was 3 ounces.
    2. Total loss was 368 gallons.
    3. The underwriter weighed 268 pounds.

 

Abbreviations of commonly used expressions.

Commonly used expressions may be abbreviated in business forms, tables, and statistics.

EXAMPLES

Correct:

acct.

account

ASAP

as soon as possible

att.

attachment

CEO

chief executive officer

SASE

self-addressed stamped envelope