Abbreviations
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase.
- Use periods in most abbreviations.
- ✅ Do: abbrev.
- ✅ Do: lb.
- ✅ Do: Mr.
- ✅ Do: vs. Spell out versus in copy, but use vs. in short expressions.
- ✅ Do: Jr. and Sr. Do not precede by a comma.
- Do not use periods for abbreviations in headlines unless required for clarity.
- Do not use abbreviations that are not readily recognizable.
- Less commonly known words or phrases should be spelled out on first reference and may be abbreviated thereafter.
- If an abbreviation would not be clear on subsequent reference without this arrangement, it should not be used.
- If it is the official name of an organization, an abbreviation may be used.
- See Tests for acceptable usage of the SPEAK and TOEFL abbreviations.
- Use unit and program abbreviations only for internal unit communications.
- In communications intended for students and the public, use the full name of the unit. An abbreviation is acceptable on subsequent references. See ASU locations, campuses, buildings and units.
Degree abbreviations
See Academic programs, degrees, courses and tests.
Initialism
Initialism is a specific kind of abbreviation, similar to an acronym, but not pronounced as a word.
- Each letter is pronounced.
- All uppercase without periods:
- ✅ Do: ASU
- ✅ Do: BMW
- ✅ Do: FBI
- ✅ Do: NGO
- ✅ Do: PDF
Refer to Associated Press Stylebook for details and exceptions.
Common initialisms
AI | Use artificial intelligence. AI may be used in subsequent references. |
AR | Use augmented reality. AR may be used in subsequent references. |
ASU |
On first reference, use the full name of the university: Arizona State University. Use ASU in subsequent references, but do not introduce it as an abbreviation in parentheses. Not: Arizona State University (ASU). An exception to using the full name on first reference may be made in internal publications, published under an ASU masthead, and when there is no question as to who owns the content. In subsequent references, authorized forms are ASU and the university.
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CEO | See Titles. |
ESL |
Spell out on first reference. The adjectival form may be abbreviated as ESL on subsequent references.
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FAQ, FAQS |
Acceptable in all uses for frequently asked questions. For one set of questions and answers, use FAQ. For separate sets of questions and answers on different topics use FAQs.
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POS, iPOS |
A Plan of Study is a list of courses and culminating experience which maps the requirements for completion of a degree program. The POS is submitted and revised electronically via the iPOS system, or the Interactive Plan of Study. Once the POS is submitted, it becomes a student’s official plan of study.
As clearly as possible, distinguish between the plan, POS (whether unofficial or official), and the method of submitting, iPOS, the official version.
Spell out the phrase on first reference and use the POS or the plan thereafter; do not use parentheses.
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P.S. | This initialism is a shortened form of postscript. Periods, no spaces, no colon before the text that follows. |
RSVP | No periods, all uppercase. Not: RSVP, please, as SVP stands for S’il vous plait — “please” in French. |
SDG | Use Sustainable Development Goals on first reference. SDG may be used in subsequent references. |
TTY | Telephone services for those with hearing loss. Acceptable on first reference. Do not use TDD. |
U.S. | Used as a noun or adjective for United States and acceptable on first reference. Use periods except in headlines: US. See also USA. |
VERSUS |
Spell out versus, but use vs. in short expressions.
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VR | Use virtual reality. VR may be used in subsequent references. |
Months
See Times, Days, months, seasons, years.