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Tag: Formal writing

Tag: Formal writing

20 articles. Page 2 of 2

An abbreviation is the shortened form of a term. It usually comprises the first letters of the words of a phrase or is the contracted form of a word.

When to Use a Colon (:), with ExamplesColon

Use a colon to introduce a list or a quotation, or to explain and amplify a statement. It directs the reader’s attention to the information that follows. It can also serve as a sign or separator.

Is It OK to End a Sentence with a Preposition?Preposition at the End of a Sentence

It is perfectly acceptable and idiomatic to end a sentence with a preposition. Consider “What are you talking about?” and “This is what I was looking for.”

Should Numbers Be Spelled Out or Written in Figures (Numerals)?Should Numbers Be Spelled Out?

Spell out single-digit numbers from zero to nine and larger numbers at the start of a sentence. Use numerals with abbreviated units of measurement, to emphasize the exact time, and to write the names of years.

Apostrophes with Names Ending in S: Charles’ or Charles’s?Possessives of Names Ending in S

Form the possessive of a name ending in “s” by adding either an apostrophe and another “s” or just an apostrophe. Both are acceptable in formal writing.

“Data Is” or “Are”: Is “Data” Singular or Plural?Is Data Singular or Plural?

Data can be a plural noun (“the data are”) or a singular mass noun (“the data is”). As a mass noun, it is used much like the word “information.”

Initialisms, Acronyms, Contractions: Types of AbbreviationsTypes of Abbreviations

Initialisms are abbreviations of which the letters are individually pronounced (UK, USA, ATM), while an acronym is pronounced as a word (NATO, UNICEF, laser). An abbreviation could also simply be a contraction (Dr., Mr.) or other shortened form (Prof., Dec.).

How to Form Plurals of Acronyms and AbbreviationsPlurals of Abbreviations

Form the plural of an acronym or other abbreviation simply by adding “s” to the end (URLs, CEOs). No apostrophe is necessary.

Periods in Acronyms and AbbreviationsPeriods in Abbreviations

Periods are not used in abbreviations with more than one capital letter, but contractions and other abbreviations with lowercase letters may contain a period (rtc., p.m., Dr.). No period is used after an abbreviated SI unit (kg, m).

How to Use Abbreviations in Formal WritingHow to Use Abbreviations

Accepted guidelines: Provide the full form of an abbreviation at first use. Avoid using abbreviations at start of sentence. Use “a” or “an” depending on how the abbreviation is pronounced. And more.

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