Using abbreviations

Abbreviations are commonly used in academic texts, particularly when making reference within the text, and can vary depending on the reference system. The following chart supplies some examples of the more common abbreviations and their use. Note that conventions for punctuation may vary. Thus, when writing for publication, always consult the publisher's style sheet. 

Abbreviation	Short for	Use/Meaning
c./ca.	circa	approximately, about
cf.	confer	compare with
edn.,edns.	edition(s)	Used in a reference list to specify the edition of the work cited.
e.g.	exempli gratia	for example, for instance
et al.	et alii	and others
fig., figs.	figure(s)	Used when referring to figures in a text of work.
i.e.	id est	which is to say, in other words, that is
l., ll.	line(s)	Used when referring to lines in a text.
MS/m.s.	manuscriptum	Can be used when referencing a manuscript.
NB/n.b.	nota bene	take special note of; note
n.d.	no date (of publication)	Used in referencing when a date is unknown - quite common with website addresses.
p., pp.	page(s)	Used for indicating page numbers when referencing.
passim	passim	frequently, in every part, in many places, too many references to list
sec.	section	Used when referring to sections of a text.
v., vs.	versus	Against.
viz.	videlicet	namely, that is to say, in other words
vol., vols.	volume(s)	Used for indicating volume numbers in referencing.