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Abbreviations

When used properly, abbreviations make a paper much easier to read. When used in excess, abbreviations make a paper much more difficult to read. It is thus important to use abbreviations only when they improve readability.

Abstract

Avoid abbreviations in the abstract unless they help the reader. Abbreviations defined in the abstract must be redefined in the main text.

Mistake

  • The author defines an abbreviation in the abstract that is used only once.

Remedy

  • Use full terms unless abbreviation helps the reader (e.g., it removes repetitive text).

Example 1. Unnecessary abbreviations in abstract
comment

For this example, assume that the abbreviation "SEM" is used only once in the abstract.
incorrect

(abstract) …​ using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
(later in abstract) …​ the SEM images confirmed that …​
correct

(abstract) …​ using scanning electron microscopy.
(later in abstract) …​ the scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that …​
Mistake

  • The author uses an abbreviation in the main text that is only defined in the abstract.

Remedy

  • Make sure to define all abbreviations in the main text, even those defined in the abstract.

Example 2. Undefined abbrevations in main text
incorrect

(abstract) …​ using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
(first used of "SEM" in main text) …​ SEM observations were conducted …​
correct

(abstract) …​ using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
(first used of "SEM" in main text) …​ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were conducted …​

Definitions

Define abbreviations on first use. Once a term is abbreviated, use it throughout the paper. Make sure to use abbreviations that are standard in your field.

Mistake

  • The author abbreviates a term on page 3 and then uses the full term on page 12.

Remedy

  • Define a term on first use and use the abbrevation throughout the paper.

Example 3. Full term used after being abbreviated
incorrect

(page 3) …​ the finite element method (FEM) was applied.
(page 13) …​ verified using the finite element method …​
correct

(page 3) …​ the finite element method (FEM) was applied.
(page 13) …​ verified using the FEM …​
Mistake

  • The author uses an abbreviation but does not define it.

Remedy

  • Define all abbreviations on first use.

Example 4. Undefined abbreviation
incorrect

(first use of "FEM") …​ the FEM was applied.
correct

(first use of "FEM") …​ the finite element method (FEM) was applied.
Mistake

  • The author defines an abbreviation multiple times in the main text.

Remedy

  • Define all abbreviations only once (once in abstract, once in the main text).

Example 5. Abbreviation defined multiple times
incorrect

(page 3) …​ the finite element method (FEM) was applied.
(page 13) …​ verified using the finite element method (FEM) …​
correct

(page 3) …​ the finite element method (FEM) was applied.
(page 13) …​ verified using the FEM …​

Capitalization of terms

When defining an abbreviation, do not capitalize a word in the abbreviated term unless it is:

  • a proper noun (e.g., "Newton")

  • part of an official name (e.g., "Large Millimeter Telescope")

Example 6. Proper nouns and official names in abbreviations
example

…​ with the Newton-Raphson method (NRM) …​
comment

"Newton" and "Raphson" are proper nouns, so they are capitalized.
example

…​ color fidelity index Rf introduced by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) …​
comment

"International Commission on Illumination" is an official name, so each word is capitalized.
Mistake

  • The author capitalizes each word of an abbreviated term.

Remedy

  • Only capitalize proper nouns or words in an official name.

Example 7. Incorrect capitalization of words in abbreviated term
incorrect

…​ the cranial nerve Compound Action Potential (CAP) was recorded …​
correct

…​ the cranial nerve compound action potential (CAP) was recorded …​

Abbreviations in titles

Common abbreviations can sometimes be used in titles (check guidelines). See Front Matter for details.

Modified abbreviations

Abbreviations should be used exactly as defined. The only exception is making a singular (plural) abbreviation plural (singular) (see Singular and plural abbreviations).

Mistake

  • The author defines "XYZ" as an abbreviation but later uses "XY".

Remedy

  • Use abbreviations exactly as you defined them. Do not use parts of abbreviations.

Example 8. Modified abbreviations
incorrect

…​ using the event-based multi-view stereo (EMVS) method …​
(later in the text) The goal of MVS is to restructure …​
correct

…​ using the event-based multi-view stereo (EMVS) method …​
(later in the text) The goal of multi-view stereo is to restructure …​
correct

…​ using the event-based multi-view stereo (EMVS) method …​
(later in the text) The goal of multi-view stereo (MVS) is to restructure …​
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Define "MVS" if necessary.

Unit abbreviations

Abbreviate units that are accompanied by numeric values.

Example 9. Units accompanied by numeric values
example

4 m
example

5 V/m
example

14.3 kg

Do not abbreviate units that are not accompanied by numeric values.

Example 10. Units not accompanied by numeric values
example

…​ several kilograms …​
example

…​ on the nanometer scale …​
Mistake

  • The author uses abbreviated unit when no numerical value is given.

Remedy

  • Use full term for unit when no numerical value is given.

Example 11. Abbreviated unit with no numerical value
incorrect

…​ several kg …​
correct

…​ several kilograms …​
incorrect

…​ on the nm scale …​
correct

…​ on the nanometer scale …​

Singular and plural abbreviations

For a singular term, use a singular abbreviation.

Example 12. Singular abbreviations
example

base station (BS)
example

unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

For a plural term, use a plural abbreviation.

Example 13. Plural abbrevations
example

base stations (BSs)
example

unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

Add "s" to a singular abbreviation (except a unit abbreviation) to make it plural or remove "s" from a plural abbreviation to make it singular.

Example 14. Singular and plural abbreviations
example

…​ using a neural network (NN) model …​ several NNs were used to …​
example

…​ the Au nanoparticles (NPs) were deposited onto …​ image of an NP is shown …​
Mistake

  • The author defines a plural term using a singular abbreviation.

Remedy

  • Match the count (singular or plural) of the abbreviation to that of the abbreviated term.

Example 15. Incorrect count for abbreviation
incorrect

…​ vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOL) …​
correct

…​ vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOLs) …​

Abbreviations in headings

Do not define abbreviations in headings. In addition, to make your paper easier to understand for readers who are just browsing it, avoid using abbreviations in headings.

Mistake

  • The author uses an abbreviation in a heading.

Remedy

  • Use full terms in headings.

Example 16. Abbreviations in heading
incorrect

4.4. Structure of DMPC
correct

4.4. Structure of Distributed Model Predictive Control
Mistake

  • The author defines an abbreviation in a heading.

Remedy

  • Define all abbreviations in regular text (not headings).

Example 17. Abbrevations defined in headings
incorrect

4.4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations
correct

4.4. Scanning electron microscopy observations