Abbreviation meaning that is. Note periods. Don’t include a space after the first period. OK to use when space is a consideration; otherwise, use that is, in other words, or equivalent. If used, include a comma after the last period.
Word List
The Yahoo! Word List
The Yahoo! word list covers terms related to communications, technology, branding, and other topics that our U.S. editors have encountered frequently. Following is a healthy sampling of the full Yahoo! word list. (We update the online list quarterly—see what’s new.)
These are the decisions that Yahoo! has come to after years of writing and editing for the Web. You may naturally make different choices and have different entries, but our word list can be useful as a springboard or as an additional reference.
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i.e.
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ID (n., v.)
All capitals, no periods, no space. Not Id, id. Other acceptable forms: IDs (n. pl.); ID’s, ID’ed, ID’ing (v.). Example: The security guard ID’s all employees as they come in, sometimes scrutinizing their IDs. Avoid the abbreviated verb form where space is not a concern; instead use a verb like identifies or verifies. [Updated to add IDs and ID’s, with examples.]
Updated on January 21, 2011 -
IM (n., adj., v.)
Acronym for instant message. All capitals, no periods, no space. Other acceptable forms: IMs (n. pl.); IM’s, IM’ed, IM’ing (v.). Example: My mother IM’s me constantly, and her IMs are hard to ignore! Avoid the abbreviated verb form where space is not a concern. See also “instant message.” [Updated to add IMs and IM’s, with examples.]
Updated on January 21, 2011 -
image editing (n.), image-editing (adj.)
Two words when used as a noun, hyphenated when used as an adjective.
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IMAX
As a trademark for the movie format, IMAX should be used as an adjective, not a noun.
Added on October 22, 2010 -
in.
Acceptable abbreviation for inch(es). Note the period. Include a space between the number and in. For information about when it’s OK to use the abbreviation, see “Units of Measure.”
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inbox
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inch
An acceptable abbreviation for inch(es) is in. (note period).
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info
In general, use information rather than info. In some circumstances, such as if space is tight, info is acceptable.
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inkjet
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instant message (n.), instant-message (adj., v.)
Two words when used as a noun. Note hyphen when used as an adjective or a verb. Examples: She got an instant message from her boss. I’ll instant-message you when I arrive. The instant-message conversation proved informative.
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instant messenger
Lowercase except in brand names such as AOL Instant Messenger.
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Internet
Note capitalization. OK to abbreviate as Net.
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Internet service provider
Note capitalization. OK to abbreviate as ISP.
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intranet
Note lowercase. A private internal network typically accessible only to a select group of individuals.
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IP
Abbreviation that can stand for Internet Protocol or intellectual property.
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iPhone
Note capitalization of this Apple trademark. See “Capitalization” for information on how to treat names such as this in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.
Do not add an s to make the term plural. -
iPod
Note capitalization of this Apple trademark. See “Capitalization” for information on how to treat names such as this in a title or at the beginning of a sentence. Do not use this brand name generically to refer to all MP3 players, and don’t add an s to make the term plural.
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iPod nano
Note capitalization. Do not use nano by itself when referring to the Apple product.
Added on October 22, 2010 -
iPod touch
Note capitalization. Do not use touch by itself when referring to the Apple product.
Added on October 22, 2010 -
IR
Acceptable abbreviation for infrared.
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ISP
Abbreviation for Internet service provider. Plural: ISPs.
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IT
Abbreviation for information technology. Abbreviation is always OK.
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iTunes
Note capitalization of this Apple trademark. See “Capitalization” for information on how to treat names such as this in a title or at the beginning of a sentence.
Build your own word list
A word list is an important part of a site’s style guide. It tracks your decisions, helps you enforce them to maintain your site’s voice and editorial standards, and keeps editors from having to make the same kinds of decisions over and over again—possibly coming to contradictory conclusions each time.
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