+485.+ There are a number of words which we abbreviate or contract, in
our every-day use. A contraction is a shortened form of the word used to
save time or space and is made by omitting a letter or letters. The
apostrophe is used to indicate the omission in a contracted word. As,
for example:
B'ld'g, B'l'v'd, M'f'g.
When the word is contracted in this way and the apostrophe is used,
these contractions are not followed by the period but are used just as
the completely written word would be used. There is no accepted list of
these contractions. We devise them according to our need at the moment.
An abbreviation, however, is an authorized contraction of the word. It
is the shortening of a term which is habitually used to save time and
space. The apostrophe is not used and the abbreviation should be
followed by a period. As for example:
Bldg. Blvd. Mfg.
These abbreviations and contractions are very helpful to us in saving
time and space but should not be used too frequently. Too many
contractions or abbreviations make writing ridiculous. Take time to
write out the majority of words. Only use abbreviations or contractions
for certain accepted words. Avoid an excessive use of abbreviations.