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Common Errors Workbook |
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Punctuation and mechanics |
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34. Making abbreviations and acronyms plural |
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Abbreviations and acronyms may be pluralized and made possessive. Follow these steps for punctuating these forms correctly.
Check the function of the abbreviation or acronym. Is it being used as a plural noun, as a singular possessive noun, or as a plural possessive noun?
Use s, 's, or s' depending on how the form is being used.
Example: Recordable DVDs are now more widely available.
DVDs is the plural form of DVD, so the writer has correctly added just an s, with no apostrophe.
Example: A recordable DVD's compatibility with different types of players may vary.
DVD's is the singular possessive form of DVD, so the writer has correctly added 's.
In the following example, the abbreviation is being used as a plural possessive, so s' needs to be added.
Example: Most DVDs' recording times are between four and six hours.
Remember: Punctuate an abbreviation or acronym according to its function: s for plural, 's for singular possessive, and s' for plural possessive.
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