Abbreviations and acronyms

Avoid using abbreviations and acronyms whenever possible. If you really need to use an abbreviation or an acronym, spell it out the first time you mention it and include the short version in brackets immediately after it. Then use the short version for all subsequent references within that piece of content.

First use: Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

Subsequent uses: CAP

In cases where it’s really obvious, the acronym in brackets may not be necessary.

In one series of reports, we uncovered flaws in the Common Agricultural Policy. The CAP was last updated in 2013.

If the abbreviation or acronym is well known, like the UN or PVC, use it instead (and don’t worry about spelling it out).