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A guide on shortening “continued” in both formal and informal writing
To be continued. To be cont. To be cont’d? Wondering which one to use? They’re both correct, but the choice depends on the context and your writing style. In this guide, we’ll explain the correct abbreviations of “continued” and how to use them effectively (and which incorrect versions to avoid). If you're eager to refine your shorthand writing, read on!
Key Points to Remember
- Use “cont.” as the abbreviation for “continued” in formal or informal writing.
- Opt for “cont’d” as a contraction in casual, journalistic, or screenplay writing.
- Avoid using “con’t” as it’s grammatically incorrect.
- Consider using the full phrase “Continued on next page” or omitting it entirely. If you choose to include it, follow your preferred style guide by using “cont.” or “cont’d”.
Steps to Follow
Correct Abbreviation
Use “cont.” as the correct abbreviation for “continued.” According to dictionaries and most English language style guides, “cont.” is the official, correct abbreviation. When abbreviating the word “continued,” simply remove everything after the letter “t” and add a period (the abbreviation is not correct without the period).
- Abbreviations are shortened forms of written words, often formed from the first few letters or omitting letters from the middle of the word.
- For instance, “Sep.” contains the first 3 letters of “September” and “govt.” leaves out letters in the middle of “government.”
- Nearly all abbreviations end in a period.
Opt for “cont.” in both formal and informal writing. “Cont.” is widely understood by English readers and is acceptable for use when space is limited and you need to shorten the word (such as in a table or slideshow title). If using it in business or professional writing, check your company’s preferred style guide—they may prefer the full word or the contraction version of “continued.”
- Abbreviations can be used in section headings, titles, or tables and charts. However, it's advisable to avoid them in full sentences whenever possible.
- In formal writing, use the “cont.” abbreviation sparingly and spell out the full word “continued” if it fits the line, page, or box where it’s needed.
Correct Contraction
Use the contraction “cont’d” as an alternative to “cont.” While “cont’d” may not be officially recognized in many style guides, it’s generally considered an acceptable alternative to the abbreviation “cont.” To form the contraction of “continued,” simply remove all letters between “t” and “d” and replace them with an apostrophe.
- A contraction involves shortening a word by omitting a letter (or letters) and replacing them with an apostrophe (e.g., “can’t” for “cannot”).
Opt for “cont’d” in informal, journalistic, or screenplay writing. “Cont’d” serves as a more casual option compared to “cont.” and is ideal for informal shorthand. It's used to signify continuity after a page break or stage direction in scenarios such as writing news articles or screenplays.
- For instance, in a screenplay:
- MARIA
“I’m tired of this town.”
(Maria stands up.)
MARIA (CONT’D)
“And I’m never coming back!”
- MARIA
Avoid using “con’t.” “Con’t” is grammatically incorrect for various reasons. Firstly, the apostrophe isn’t replacing any letters. Secondly, most contractions retain at least half of the letters of the full word, which “con’t” doesn’t. Hence, refrain from using this form in any context.
- “Con’t” is not considered an abbreviation due to the presence of the apostrophe and the lack of a period.
Shortening “Continued on Next Page”
Prefer using the full “continued” or omit “Continued on next page” if feasible. If space allows, utilize the entire phrase “Continued on next page” or “Continued on page X” to indicate a continuation after a page break. If space is limited, consider omitting it entirely, relying on page numbers and context to cue the reader.
- If shortening “continued” is necessary, adhere to your style preferences by using “cont.” or “cont’d”. For personal or informal work, choose as you prefer!
- “Continued on page X” aids in indicating where a news or magazine story continues later in the issue if it's not immediately evident.
- “Continued on next page” is often styled in smaller, italicized font to distinguish it from the main text.
Recommendations
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Opt for contracted or abbreviated words primarily in informal writing, such as letters or emails, or in constrained spaces like tables and charts.
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When deciding between abbreviations or contractions, prioritize the option that is shorter and clearer to the reader.
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In many instances, “cont.” and “cont’d” can be used interchangeably. The choice between them depends on clarity and personal preference, or your organization’s preferred writing style.
