Abbreviations are the standard means of avoiding lengthy or awkward repetition, but they should be used sparingly in narrative copy. Abbreviations are appropriate in lists, charts, tables, and buying guides to achieve economical use of space and a pleasing appearance.
If an abbreviation is acceptable in copy according to SIM style, it should be applied to all copy, even quoted material.
incorrect: “Granite was our number one choice,” he says.
correct: “Granite was our No. 1 choice,” he says.
For abbreviations not included in this section, see the following reference sources:
General abbreviations: Webster’s 11th
Metric abbreviations: Webster’s 11th, listed with “metric”
States: Follow Associated Press style in copy and U.S. Postal Service style in addresses.
Abbreviations
Capitalization
Company Names
Dates and Times
Degrees and Certifications
Periods
Plurals
Spaces