Abbreviations and acronyms

When and how to use abbreviations and acronyms.

Spell out acronyms at first mention, unless they’re well known (like UK, DVLA, US, EU, VAT, MP). This includes government departments or schemes.

The first time you use an abbreviation, explain it in full on each page, and then refer to it by initials. For example: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Don’t use an acronym if you’re not going to use it again later in the text.

Don’t use full stops in abbreviations, BBC, not B.B.C.

Freedom of Information, you can make an FOI request but not a request under the FOI Act.

Etc, ie and eg

Avoid etc. Use ‘for example’ or ‘such as’ or ‘like’ or ‘including’. Make sure never to put etc at the end of a list starting with these words.

ie - used to clarify a sentence - is not always well understood. Try (re)writing sentences to avoid using it or use an alternatives like ‘meaning’ or ‘that is’.

eg can be read aloud as ‘egg’ by screen reading software. Use ‘for example’ or ‘such as’ or ‘like’ or ‘including’.