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Acronym Grammar.

Q:

When defining an acronym in a report, do you state the definition first, then the acronym? Or vice versa?

I work for Complete Auto Body (CAB).
or
I work for CAB (Complete Auto Body).

A:

In this particular instance, I think I'd use the second one. Is "Complete Auto Body" ever said, or written out, anywhere? I'd think the acronym is always used. So, the name explains the acronym.

However, when the full name is common, and an abbreviation is being used so that the number of keys touched is kept to a minimum, the first is the way to go.

Submitted by: Anonymous
Last Updated: May 9th, 2002