Abbreviations/Acronyms

Rules

• Do not invent new abbreviations or acronyms.
• Don't introduce acronyms that are used just once. If an acronym will appear only once in your content, just spell out the term. Don't introduce it in parentheses after the spelled-out version.
• Use an abbreviation or acronym for brevity only where such usage does not interfere with comprehension.
• Define the abbreviation or acronym on its first use in a page or topic.

  First use is the first usage in body copy, not in a title or heading. Avoid using an acronym for the first time in a title or heading unless it's a keyword that you must place in the title or heading for SEO. If the first use of the acronym is in a title or heading, define the acronym early in the body text.

  Spell out the term and follow it with the acronym or abbreviation.

• Don't define acronyms that are so broadly used that they are better known than the unabbreviated term when providing a definition would be non-useful and pedantic — for example, high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI).
• Don't create acronyms from product or feature names. Always spell Cengage online learning platform and feature names precisely as defined.

  For example, Cengage Unlimited cannot be changed to CU or C Unlimited.

• Lowercase all words in the spelled-out form of an acronym except for proper nouns. The names of many protocols and specifications are considered proper nouns and are capitalized when spelled out.
• Avoid Latin abbreviations like etc. and e.g. except in specific academic contexts where required.

  Latin abbreviations are not universally understood and Latin has historically been used for gatekeeping information instead of using the vernacular. We aim to be easily understood by everyone.

  Instead of Latin	Use English
  etc.	and so on
  e.g.	for example
  i.e.	in other words
  et al.	and others

Indefinite articles and acronyms

Use a or an, depending on the pronunciation of the acronym.

Plural and possessive forms

Form the plural of an acronym like you would any other noun. If the acronym stands for a singular noun, add s to make it plural. If an acronym stands for a plural noun, don’t add an s. Do not use an apostrophe.

• three APIs are supported
• four Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) are offered

Unless an acronym refers to a person or an organization, avoid using the possessive form.

• the IDE enhancements
• the purpose of the FAQ
• the CEO’s blog