This guide will teach you the correct way to shorten the word “continued” in written text, especially in formal or professional contexts. Plus, you’ll learn about the general guidelines for using abbreviations in formal, and informal writing.
READ ALSO: Where To Place Your Comma When Using SO (The Comma Rule For “So”)
Contents
What Is The Most Common Abbreviation For “Continued”?
The most common abbreviation for “continued” is “cont.”. This abbreviation is widely recognized and used in different types of writing, including academic papers, formal documents, and general texts.
“Cont.” is a short way to represent the word “continued,” saving space, especially in documents with limited room. Despite its brevity, “cont.” is easily understood by most readers.
It’s a standard abbreviation that is accepted in many different fields and styles of writing. However, to use “cont.”, simply place it at the end of the line or page where you want to indicate that the text continues.
For example:
Original Sentence: “The meeting was long and productive. We discussed many important topics and continued to the next page. “
With Abbreviation: “The meeting was long and productive. We discussed many important topics, cont. on the next page.”
Are There Other Ways To Abbreviate “Continued”?
While “cont.” is the most common abbreviation for “continued,” there are a few other less common options like “cont’d,” and “contd” Cont’d is often used in journalistic or creative writing, but it’s not as recognized as “cont.”
Contd is another variation of the abbreviation, but may not be understood. It’s best to stick with “cont.” to ensure clarity and avoid any confusion.
However, there are situations where you may consider using a less common abbreviation: Some style guides have specific preferences for abbreviations.
For instance, the Chicago Manual of Style recommends using “cont’d” in certain contexts. Also, If you’re working with a very tight space constraint, such as in a footnote or endnote, a less common abbreviation could be necessary.
READ ALSO: Offense Vs Offence Spelling: A Comprehensive Guide
How Do Style Guides Like APA, MLA, And Chicago Handle Abbreviations For “Continued”?
Here’s how popular style guides like APA, MLA, and Chicago handle abbreviations for “continued”:
APA Style
In APA style, you can use the abbreviation “cont.” to indicate that a thought or idea is continued from the previous page. This is commonly used in footnotes and endnotes.
MLA Style
MLA style generally prefers full words over abbreviations. However, in certain cases, you may be able to use “cont’d” to save space, especially in footnotes and endnotes.
Chicago Style
Chicago style is more flexible when it comes to abbreviations. You can use “cont.” or “cont’d” to indicate that a thought or idea is continued from the previous page. Make sure to use abbreviations consistently throughout your document.
Guidelines For Using Abbreviations In Formal Or Informal Writing
When writing formally, such as in academic papers, business documents, or legal documents, avoid using abbreviations.
This is because abbreviations can sometimes be confusing or unclear, and they can make your writing appear less professional.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, you may use commonly recognized abbreviations, such as “etc.” or “i.e.,” in formal writing.
In informal writing, such as text messages, emails to friends, or social media posts, you can use abbreviations more freely.
Yet, avoid using abbreviations that may be confusing to your reader. Consider using abbreviations like “BTW” (by the way) or “LOL” (laugh out loud) in informal writing. It is not everyone that understands these abbreviations.