Acronyms and abbreviations

If you can, try to avoid using acronyms and abbreviations. If you must use them, remember to always spell it out on first mention and include the abbreviation in brackets. Then, use the abbreviated version on the rest of that page or piece of content.

For very well known acronyms and initialisms, you can use the short version straight away. Use a continuous string of capital letters:

 BBC

 NATO

 URL

 USA

 WHO

 GIF

Abbreviations

Very common abbreviations that are globally recognised are OK to use.

Don't use points in abbreviations.

 Dr

 exam

 lab

 Ms

 St

 St.

Avoid common Latin abbreviations, such as etc, eg and ie. They might save you space, but as George Orwell remarked, why would you use a foreign word when a native equivalent exists? There are good plain English alternatives that will make your writing easier to understand:

Etc.

Use "and others" or include complete lists where possible.

 Our work spans several regions, including Latin America, Africa, Asia and others.

 Our work spans several regions, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, etc.

E.g.

Use "for example", "such as" or "including".

 Brooke is interested in the wellbeing of equids including horses, donkeys and mules.

 Brooke is interested in the wellbeing of equids, e.g. horses, donkeys and mules.

I.e.

Use "that is", "meaning", "in other words" or rewrite the sentence.

 How we use our voice, in other words how we express ourselves in our content, is fundamental to people's perception of our brand.

 How we use our voice, i.e. how we express ourselves in our content, is fundamental to people's perception of our brand.

Ibid.

Meaning "in the same place", this is allowed in academic writing for repeat citations, especially in footnotes, but not in general communications. Instead write the reference out again in full.