When the beginning or end of a word is cut off to create a shorter word, the result is called a clipped form.

vet, promo, prof, dorm

Although they are acceptable in conversation, most clipped forms should not appear in writing unless they are commonly accepted as part of the special vocabulary of an occupational group.

Apostrophes are not normally used with clipped forms of words (not 'phone, but phone). Since they are not strictly abbreviations, clipped forms are not followed by periods (not lab., but lab).

Do not use clipped forms of spelling (thru, nite, and the like).

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