U S A G E
Abbreviations and Acronyms Abbreviations If abbreviations are needed, use them sparingly alongside the full name in the first reference, with the initials in parentheses. Avoid using abbreviations in external publications.
Time Periods
C.E. (Common Era) Also known as A.D.
n
n B.C.E. (Before Common Era) Also known as B.C.
Do not abbreviate days or months, with the exception of in tables or charts.
Correct Usage
Correct Usage
n First Use: Visitors from all over the region came to visit Great Park (GP).
February
Monday
n
n
Incorrect Usage
n Second Use: Visitors from all over came to visit GP.
Feb.
Mon.
n
n
The City style is to rarely use abbreviations and acro- nyms in all other cases. Below are some examples of acceptable use:
Acronyms Spell out the acronym prior to its first use. Common acronyms such as FBI, CIA and ICTV do not need to be spelled out. Do not use an acronym if it will not be used in subsequent text. See City Department, Com- mission, and Committee Names , Page 20.
Before a Name
Dr. Sears
n
Mrs. Smith
n
Correct Usage
Mr. Smith
n
Staff will meet with Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) be- fore heading to John Wayne Airport (JWA) The meeting with IRC will then take place at JWA
After a Name
Martin Luther King Jr.
n
John Adams Sr.
n
Incorrect Usage
Time and Time Zones
Staff will meet with IRC before heading to JWA
The below abbreviations for time zones are accept- able upon first reference. See Time, Page 18.
When referring to a center, program, organization, group, or plan, unless it is primarily known by its acronym (e.g., ICTV), avoid creating an acronym. Shorten the name, if it makes sense or will not change the meaning and do not capitalize the noun (“the center ,“ “the commission”) on second reference. Be sure that you maintain consistency throughout the document.
10 a.m. or 10 p.m.
n
EST (Eastern Standard Time)
n
EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
n
PST (Pacific Standard Time)
n
PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
n
Correct Usage
GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
n
n First Use: Dog and Cat Foundation of Orange County
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