> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://styleguide.seej.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://styleguide.seej.org/acronyms-abbreviations.md).

# Acronyms/Abbreviations

On first mention of a term, introduce the acronym in parentheses:

{% hint style="success" %}
The Non-Aligned Movement **(NAM)** was founded in Yugoslavia in 1956.
{% endhint %}

Once you have introduced the abbreviation, you ought to use the abbreviation. 

Delete periods in acronyms and abbreviations:

{% hint style="success" %}
**USA**, **CIA**, **USSR**, **NC**, **PhD, MA, BA**
{% endhint %}

**However**, periods should be used in the case of proper names, with a space after each period:

{% hint style="success" %}
**J. R. R.** Tolkein

**E. B.** White
{% endhint %}

unless the name is only composed of initials:

{% hint style="success" %}
**FDR**, **LBJ**, **MLK**
{% endhint %}

Please see [**MLA's page on abbreviation**](https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_abbreviations.html) for commonly abbreviated terms.