When you expand abbreviations the first time they appear, everyone’s on the same page, and you’re not leaving anyone behind in a haze of alphabet soup.
Abbreviations make sure that these uncommon terms are clarified, making content easier to understand for everyone.
Who this impacts
- People using screen readers: Screen readers may mispronounce abbreviations, so expanding them improves understanding.
- Language learners: Users who are new to the language benefit from seeing the full form, preventing confusion.
- Everyone: Providing the meaning for abbreviations helps everyone follow content smoothly, especially on technical or specialized topics.
How to meet Abbreviations
- Expand abbreviations on first use: Add the full phrase in parentheses after the abbreviation like FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).
- Provide explanations for uncommon abbreviations: If an abbreviation is technical or specific to your field, give context or explanations where possible.
- Use a glossary for frequent abbreviations: Include a glossary on technical pages to clarify terms and abbreviations for quick reference.
Practical example
An academic site explains, “QED (Latin: quod erat demonstrandum; that which was to be demonstrated)” the first time it’s used in an article, helping readers understand the meaning and purpose of the phrase.
Top tips
- Clarify less-known terms: Add full forms for abbreviations that might be unfamiliar to some readers the first time they appear in the text. If you use the term again after a long break in the text, consider adding the explanation at this point, too.
- Keep explanations concise: Write out abbreviations without overloading the text, so readers stay engaged.
- Test readability: Confirm with screen readers that abbreviations are clear and easy to follow.