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Snarf Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Exclamation point after an abbreviation

If the short form for something like, say, Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) ends at the end of a sentence with an exclamation point, is the second dot, after the "S," kept? For example:

"Because he has M.S.!"

Is that wrong? Should it just be "...M.S!" with a dot only after the "M"?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

" Is that wrong? No, it’s not wrong. I would punctuate it that way.

— RandomGuy

  • " Is that wrong?
  • No, it’s not wrong.
  • I would punctuate it that way.
  • Actually, I would write MS .
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3 Answers
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Snarf"Because he has M.S.!"
Is that wrong?
No, it’s not wrong. I would punctuate it that way. Actually, I would write MS.
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So how do we decide when an abbreviated form gets dots and when it doesn't, then? Is it better to not use dots at all?
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The periods are optional with MS, as is the case with many abbreviations. Sometimes periods should be used: U.S., sometimes not: Austin, TX. Sometimes it depends on where you live: Dr (BrE), Dr. (AmE). Consult Google when in doubt, or get a style guide. Come to think of it, I should invest in one myself.
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