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Abbreviations

Abbreviation is a conventional feature of written language that consists of representing in a reduced form certain words or expressions. The general rule for abbreviating words is simple. Just write the first syllable and the first letter of the second syllable, followed by an abbreviation dot. See the examples:

bras (Brazilian)
no. (numeral)

Comments:

1. a)If the second syllable starts with two consonants, both are part of the abbreviation. Examples:

pers. (person)
build. (construction)
sec. (secretary)
dis. (disyllable)

1. b)The graphic accent or hyphen in the original word must be kept in the abbreviation. Examples:

century (century)
decree-law (decree-law)
adm.-financ. (financial administration)

1. c)Some words have abbreviation by contraction, that is, by suppressing letters in the middle of the word. Examples:

beautiful (bachelor
) (Colonel)
co. (company)
Dr. (doctor)
Brother. (Illustrious)
Ltd. (limited)

1. d)Some words do not follow the general rule for abbreviation. Examples:

BC or BC (before Christ)
ap., apart. or apt (apartment)
btl. (battalion)
ex. (box)
D. (dignified, Dom, Dona)
f. or page or fol. (sheet)
id. (idem)
ie (ie)
p. or page (page)
pg. (paid)
p. or pages (pages)
PS (postscript)
HQ (headquarters)
SA (Society Anonymous)
SOS (Save Our Soul)
ui (internal use)
USA (United States of America = United States)