Abbreviations are shortened forms of written words. Some are formed from the first few letters, and some omit letters from the middle of the word. [2] X Research source For example, “Sep. ” contains the first 3 letters of “September” and “govt. ” leaves out letters in the middle of “government. ” Nearly all abbreviations end in a period.
Use abbreviations in section headings, titles, or tables and charts. Try to avoid using them in full sentences where possible. [4] X Research source In formal writing, use the “cont. ” abbreviation sparingly and spell out the full word “continued” if it will fit on the line, page, or box where it’s needed.
A contraction is the shortening of a word by omission of a letter (or letters) that’s replaced by an apostrophe (for example: “can’t” means “cannot”). [6] X Research source
For example, a screenplay direction might say: MARIA“I’m tired of this town. ”(Maria stands up. )MARIA (CONT’D)“And I’m never coming back!”
“Con’t” is also not an abbreviation because of the apostrophe and because there’s no period at the end.
If you need to shorten “continued,” use “cont. ” or “cont’d” according to your style preferences. If it’s personal or informal work, use whichever you like! “Continued on page X” is useful if it’s not immediately clear where a news or magazine story picks up later on in the issue. “Continued on next page” is typically written in smaller, italicized font to separate it from the main body of text.
