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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
abbreviations used in a quoted passage
i am quoting a passage which uses an abbreviation (specifically environmental protection act 1990 is abbreviated to EPA 1990)
how do i show that EPA is refering to the environmental protection act in the quote
i had considered placing [sic] after EPA though this only shows that is is a direct quote and not what it is refering to
any help is appreciated
Gareth
how do i show that EPA is refering to the environmental protection act in the quote
i had considered placing [sic] after EPA though this only shows that is is a direct quote and not what it is refering to
any help is appreciated
Gareth
Top answer
At the first mention of EPA I would write: "... " If the text actually says "EPA 1990", then I would write "... " Most people should understand the square brackets as indicating a clarification added by the editor.
- At the first mention of EPA I would write: "...
- " If the text actually says "EPA 1990", then I would write "...
- " Most people should understand the square brackets as indicating a clarification added by the editor.
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4 Answers
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At the first mention of EPA I would write:
"... EPA [Environmental Protection Act] ..."
If the text actually says "EPA 1990", then I would write
"... EPA 1990 [Environmental Protection Act 1990] ..."
Most people should understand the square brackets as indicating a clarification added by the editor.
"... EPA [Environmental Protection Act] ..."
If the text actually says "EPA 1990", then I would write
"... EPA 1990 [Environmental Protection Act 1990] ..."
Most people should understand the square brackets as indicating a clarification added by the editor.
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I completely agree with Mr. Wordy - that's exactly what I would do.
If you don't like this version, you can also put an asterisk after EPA 1990, and insert a bottom note saying something like "The speaker is referring to the Environmental Protection Act passed in 1990."
If you don't like this version, you can also put an asterisk after EPA 1990, and insert a bottom note saying something like "The speaker is referring to the Environmental Protection Act passed in 1990."
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After reading Mr Wordy's and GG's replies, I thought I'd better post to check whether I have always done similar things incorrectly . 
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Yes, that sounds right to me.
I agree with GG about the perils of "sic". I can seem like editorialising ("and isn't that a dumb thing to say" or "look, this guy can't even spell"). I must admit to using it on occasion, however.
I agree with GG about the perils of "sic". I can seem like editorialising ("and isn't that a dumb thing to say" or "look, this guy can't even spell"). I must admit to using it on occasion, however.
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