Final answer:
Abbreviations and acronyms should be introduced with their full names before being shortened in further mentions. Hyphens, apostrophes, and other punctuation forms must be used accurately to maintain clarity. Proper citation practices and avoiding informal language contribute to effective communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Abbreviations and acronyms are shorthand methods of representing full terms and should be used appropriately in formal writing. It is important to write out full names before using an acronym or abbreviation.
For instance, one should write 'U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)' or 'Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)' initially before resorting to the abbreviated forms in subsequent mentions. This approach aids in clarity and comprehension for the reader.
Additionally, modifying phrases often require hyphens to clarify their meaning, while possessives necessitate proper use of apostrophes.
When inserting additional information that is not essential to the main point of a sentence, dashes or parentheses can be employed.
Dashes are particularly effective for adding emphasis or indicating a pause in thought. However, one should avoid overusing punctuation such as commas, which could obscure the sentence's intended meaning or importance. In citing literature, the use of 'vol.' and 'no.' for volume and issue numbers, along with 'p.' or 'pp.' for page numbers, is a standard practice.
Proper punctuation and formatting, like italicizing database names and using periods correctly, are necessary for clear communication. An example of effective punctuation use can be seen in the statement, 'The roof of that car was covered in Astroturf—a strange sight!', where a dash adds emphasis.
In professional and academic writing, it is essential to avoid informal language and make a positive online impression by refraining from using text language or all capital letters.
Clarity, conciseness, and proper punctuation help ensure effective communication. When referencing organizations or terms that can be abbreviated, introduce the full name on the first mention and use the abbreviation thereafter, as exemplified by 'LibreTexts™ 4. Separate numbers with commas and separate numbers from names or prefixes with a hyphen.'