Updated June 2023
Do you feel confident when you write US vs. U.S.? Or have you just been winging it? Do you always use one form over the other because you think one is right and one is wrong? Read on for an explanation of when to use periods and when to leave them out. (Hint: Both forms are correct in different circumstances!)
Gregg Reference Manual states: “The name United States is usually abbreviated when it is part of the name of a government agency. When used as an adjective, the name is often abbreviated, though not in formal usage. When used as a noun, the name is spelled out.”
In other words, in general prose, one should use U.S. when abbreviating.
Of all the holidays we celebrate in the U.S., we especially look forward to Independence Day for the fireworks!
However, there are some exceptions:
U.S. Department of Agriculture or USDA
U.S. Air Force or USAF
NOTE: When a company uses a geographic abbreviation in its corporate name or in the name of a product, respect the company’s style.
U.S.A., but USA Today
U.S., but U S WEST Communications
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