Use period with abbreviations that end with lower case letters.Only capitalize abbreviations if the words they stand for would have been capitalized if written in full otherwise, write them in lower case.only when you want to offer an example and do not end it with etc. only when you intend to rephrase the statement you made earlier. When in doubt, always spell out in full: In an event you do not know if the abbreviation is widely accepted or if it conforms to the style, it is better you just spell it out.Always introduce your abbreviation: The first time you are using an abbreviation or an acronym, you are expected to spell it out and put the abbreviation in parenthesis.Guidelines for Using Abbreviations in Chicago Format Here we have listed a number of rules for using abbreviations in Chicago format.

Contraction, however, refers to the abbreviations of words that usually include the first and last letter of the word. In contrast, initialism, unlike acronyms, is readable as a series of letters. (Also learn about using abbreviations in APA and MLA format)Īcronyms refer to the shortened version of words or phrases that are based on the initial letter of the various elements or words and are readable as a single word. The Chicago style is no exception to this, it, however, distinguishes between acronyms, contractions and initialism, but they are all grouped under abbreviation. Each writing format has its specific rules for abbreviations. The way abbreviations are to be used in a paper or essay is entirely dependent on the writing format you are using. 4 Do Not Abbreviate the Following: IntroductionĪbbreviations are essentially the shortened version of a phrase or word.

Footnote abbreviation