Always spell out first names.
EXAMPLES
Incorrect:
- Wm. Taft
- Geo. Washington
- Chas. Attwater
Correct:
- William Taft
- George Washington
- Charles Attwater
Abbreviations of titles:
- Spell out titles when they appear with the last name only.
- Titles may be abbreviated when both the first and last names appear together.
- Abbreviate academic degrees and professional designations following names.
- Do not abbreviate a position title in a letter address.
EXAMPLES
Incorrect:
- Sen. Proxmire
- Gen. Powell
- Atty. Bryant
- Mr. Franklin Pierce, Treas.
Barrister Implements
378 East Belmont Avenue
Fresno, CA 93701-1603Correct:
- Senator Proxmire or Sen. James Proxmire
- General Powell or Gen. Colin Powell.
- Attorney Bryant or Atty. Greg Bryant
- 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:
- A.A.A.
- F.B.I.
- I.R.S.
- A.M.A.
- N.A.A.C.P.
Correct:
- AAA
- FBI
- IRS
- AMA
- NAACP
Abbreviations of time designations:
- Abbreviate time designations with periods.
- Abbreviate standard time zones without periods.
- Do not abbreviate days and months except in limited spaces such as tables or business forms.
EXAMPLES
Incorrect:
- AD
- am
- E.S.T.
- BC
- PM
- Their Grand Opening was held on Mon., Aug. 19, 1999.
Correct:
- A.D.
- a.m.
- EST
- B.C.
- p.m.
- Their Grand Opening was held on Monday, August 19, 1999.
Abbreviations in addresses:
- Spell out street addresses, with the exception of directions (N. E. S. W.).
- 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:
- 2310 Lee Ave., Northwest
- 200 S. Main St.
- San Diego, CA
Correct:
- 2310 Lee Avenue, NW
- 200 S. Main Street
- 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:
- The amount used was 3 oz.
- Total loss was 368 gals.
- The underwriter weighed 268 lbs.
Correct:
- The amount used was 3 ounces.
- Total loss was 368 gallons.
- 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