Abbrevations and acronyms

Abbreviations and acronyms

Abbreviations are any shortened or contracted word or phrase. For example, writing HWP instead of High Wire Press, or PAP for Publish Ahead of Print.

Acronyms can be pronounced as words, like NASA or pronounced as letters, like CIA.

Acronyms can be confusing to readers. They can take readers out of the flow. Don't assume the reader knows what you mean. If an acronym is necessary, spell the full word and follow with the acronym in parentheses on the first reference. For example, We use a CMS (Content Management System) to manage and serve content.

Some acronyms are more recognizable than their full spellings. For example, NASA. In such instances, the acronym is acceptable.