Learn When to Use Periods in Abbreviations

The period is also used after abbreviations, such as Mrs. & Ms. If the abbreviation is ending a declaratory sentence an additional full stop is not needed (e.g. My name is Phil Simpson Jr.), but in the case of an interrogative or exclamatory sentence a question or exclamation mark is needed. In British English, “Dr” and “Mr” do not need a period, as they include both the first and last letter of the abbreviated word; but in American English, these are written “Dr.” and “Mr.” In this use, the period is also occasionally known as the suspension mark.

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