Abbreviations

1. Spell out most abbreviations in formal writing.

Do not use abbreviations like Mon. for Monday, or Oct. for October.  Do not use the and symbol: &.

2. Abbreviate people’s titles.

Examples: Mr., Mrs., and Dr.

3. Do not use periods or spaces with acronyms.

First introduce the acronym by spelling it out completely and giving the acronym in parentheses.  Then you may use the acronym. 

Example:  The absent parent (AP) usually pays child support to applicant recipient (AR).  Locating AP’s is an essential job in collecting child support.