Rules of Abbr. Abbrv. -- Abbreviation

The word abbreviation comes from the Latin brevis, meaning short; we can see the link to other similar words: brief, brevity, etc. With the help of abbreviations, we can shorten words or phrases to a mere couple of letters. However, abbreviations follow specific rules and should not be used always in formal writing.

Chapter 22 in the language textbook explains abbreviations in more detail.

Use a period after certain abbreviations, such as personal names and titles. (639)

Mrs. Melissa A. Feller
Prof. Walter Everett
J. Alfred Prufrock
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gilbert Sartore, M.D.

An acronym is a word formed from the first (or first few) letters of a series of words. Acronyms are written without periods. After spelling out the first use of the names of agencies and organizations, abbreviate these names and other things commonly known by their acronyms. (640)

AMA, American Medical Association
USAF, United States Air Force
NEA, National Endowment for the Arts

In text, spell out names of states and other political units whether they stand alone or follow other geographical terms. Abbreviate such names in tables, notes, and bibliographies. (640)

London, U.K.
Tucson, Ariz.
413 W. Maple St.

Abbreviate the frequently used era designations A.D., B.C., C.E., and B.C.E. (641)

Abbreviations for units of measurement are usually written without periods. However, do use a period with the abbreviation for inch (in.) to prevent confusing it with the word in. In regular text, spell out the names of units of measurement whether they stand alone or follow a spelled-out number or a numeral. Such names may be abbreviated in tables and notes. (642)

Text: The speed limit here is fifty-five miles per hour. [not mph]
Chart: 1 tsp pepper, 2 oz flour

Use commas to set off abbreviations such as Jr., Sr., or M.D. when they follow persons' names. (659)

Please welcome Allen Davis, Sr.
Carol Ferrara, M.D., is our family physician.

Possible assignments:

Language Textbook, Exercise 2, page 642-643, 1-10, answers only
Language Textbook, Chapter Review, part C, page 664, 31-40, answers only
Language Workbook, Abbreviations A, page 256, 1-15, answers only
Language Workbook, Abbreviations B, page 257, 1-15, answers only
Language Workbook, Abbreviations C, page 258, 1-15, answers only
Language Workbook, Abbreviations Review, page 259, 1-20, answers only

Consult the following pages in your language text for more help on abbreviations: 639-642, 659, 805.