Technique H28:Providing definitions for abbreviations by using the abbr element

Applicability

HTML and XHTML

This technique relates to 3.1.4: Abbreviations (Sufficient when used with G102: Providing the expansion or explanation of an abbreviation).

Description

The objective of this technique is to provide expansions or definitions for abbreviations by using the abbr element

It is always appropriate to use the abbr element for any abbreviation, including acronyms and initialisms. When using HTML 4 and XHTML, initialisms and acronyms may be marked up using the acronym element. In HTML5 and newer versions of HTML the acronym element was marked as obsolete in favor of the more general abbr element.

Examples

Example 1: Using abbr element to expand abbreviations. 

<p>Sugar is commonly sold in 5 <abbr title="pound">lb.</abbr> bags.</p>
<p>Welcome to the <abbr title="World Wide Web">WWW</abbr>!</p>

Example 2: Using abbr element to define abbreviations. 

<p>Tasini <abbr title="and others">et al.</abbr> <abbr title="versus">v.</abbr>
The New York Times <abbr title="and others">et al.</abbr> is the landmark lawsuit 
brought by members of the National Writers Union against ......</p>

Example 3: Using the abbr element to expand an acronym 

 <p>The use of <abbr title="Keep It Simple Stupid">KISS</abbr> became popular in ...</p>

Example 4: Using the abbr element to expand an initialism 

 <p><abbr title="World Wide Web">WWW</abbr></p>

Other sources

No endorsement implied.

Tests

Procedure

  1. Check that an expansion or definition is provided for each abbreviation via abbr.

Expected Results

  • Check #1 is true.