Skip to main content

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Only use abbreviations and acronyms for terms that are widely recognized or when they significantly improve readability. Avoid overusing them, as excessive abbreviations can make content harder to read.

Defining Acronyms and Abbreviations

Upon first use of an abbreviated term, write it out fully with the acronym/abbreviation in parentheses. Afterward, use the abbreviation consistently.

Example:

“The Instructional Design team (ID) works closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop course content.”

In this example, after introducing the acronyms “ID” and “SME”, you could use them again without redefining them.

Determine first use on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the terminology and audience. For example, the acronym for certified public accountant, CPA, may be common knowledge to students in an MBA program. In this case, first use would be the first time CPA is used in the course. A less common acronym, such as VRIO (value, rarity, imitability, organization), could be defined the first time it is used in each module since it may be a new term for students.

Plural Forms

For acronyms and initialisms, form the plural by adding an “s” without an apostrophe.

Example:

“IDs” (not ID’s) “SMEs” (not SME’s).

Common Latin Abbreviations

Use “etc.” to mean “and so on” or “and other things,” following these guidelines:

  • Always include a period after etc.
  • Use a comma before etc. if it appears in a list.
  • When placed at the end of a sentence, do not add an additional period after etc.
  • Example: “…beakers, flasks, test tubes, etc.”

Use et al. in citations with three or more authors.

  • Do not place a period after “et” since it is not abbreviated.
  • Do not include a comma before et al. within narrative citations.
  • When placed at the end of a sentence, do not add an additional period after al.
  • Example: “…as shown by Smith et al. These authors agreed that…”

Use e.g. to introduce a non-exhaustive list of examples. Think of it as saying “for example.”

  • Use this abbreviation only within parentheses.
  • Always use a comma after the abbreviation.
  • Example: “Several factors were considered (e.g., humidity, wind speed).”

Use i.e. to rephrase something. Think of it as saying “in other words.”

  • Use this abbreviation only within parentheses.
  • Always use a comma after the abbreviation.
  • Example: “Participants were selected based on one criterion (i.e., age).”
PreviousWord UsageNext Anti-Bias and Inclusive language