Punctuation Questions Long
A period should be used after an abbreviation in certain cases, depending on the style guide being followed. The general rule is that if the abbreviation is an abbreviated form of a word, a period should be used. For example, "Mr." for Mister, "Dr." for Doctor, or "etc." for et cetera.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In some cases, commonly used abbreviations that have become so familiar that they are no longer considered abbreviations may not require a period. For instance, "USA" for United States of America or "NATO" for North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Additionally, in certain writing styles, such as in scientific or technical writing, periods may not be used after abbreviations to maintain a more concise and streamlined appearance. This is often seen in abbreviations for units of measurement, such as "cm" for centimeter or "kg" for kilogram.
It is important to note that different style guides may have specific rules regarding the use of periods after abbreviations. For example, the Associated Press (AP) style guide generally does not use periods after abbreviations, while the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) typically does. Therefore, it is essential to consult the appropriate style guide for specific guidelines when writing in a particular context or for a specific publication.
In summary, a period should be used after an abbreviation when it is an abbreviated form of a word. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and different style guides may have specific guidelines regarding the use of periods after abbreviations.