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When does a period come after abbreviations in salutations and titles in English?

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When does a period come after abbreviations in salutations and titles in English?

When exactly a period comes after the abbreviations in salutations and titles in English is only a few very clear. Incidentally, this also applies to native speakers, who are not so particular about the full stop in abbreviations after salutations and titles. But there is a general rule. It reads as follows:

1. In British English, no period is generally placed after an abbreviated title if the last letter of the abbreviation is the same as the last letter of the full title. If the last letter is not identical, put a period after the abbreviation.

Examples:

Mister = Mr
Missus = Mrs
Doctor = Dr
But: Professor = Prof.

2. The basic rule in American English is to put a period after each abbreviated title.

Examples: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. Prof.

However, the majority of native speakers are not aware of this rule. And that's why it's hardly used in everyday life, unless someone knows the spelling very well.