Name : Mark Macy

Semester : 5th SEMESTER, 2022

Abbreviations Time and space

Abbreviations Time and space can be saved by the use of abbreviations, but the
writer must be certain the reader knows what is meant. Unless the abbreviation is
standard, the meaning should be explained the first time it is used. The following
rules are generally applicable for the use of abbreviations: 1. Abbreviations are
acceptable in tables, graphs, and illustrations when space limitations make them
desirable 2. Abbreviations are normally acceptable in the text only when preceded by
a number [3 cm/s (three centimeters per second)] 3. Periods may be omitted after
abbreviations for common scientific and engineering terms, except when the
abbreviation forms another word (e.g., in. for inch) 4. The plural of an abbreviation is
the same as the singular (pounds--lb) (kilograms-kg) 5. The abbreviation for a noun
derived from a verb is formed by adding n (concentration-concn) 6. The abbreviation
for the past tense is formed by adding d (concentrated-coned) 7. The abbreviation for
the participle is formed by adding g (concentrating-concg) Examples of accepted
abbreviations are shown in Table 2. RHETORIC Correct grammar, punctuation, and
style of writing are obvious requirements for any report. Many engineers, however,
submit unimpressive reports because they do not concern themselves with the
formal style of writing required in technical reports. This section deals with some of
the restrictions placed on formal writing and presents a discussion of common errors.
Personal Pronouns The use of personal pronouns should be avoided in technical
writing. Many writers eliminate the use of personal pronouns by resorting to the
passive voice. This is certainly acceptable, but, when applicable, the active voice gives
the writing a less stilted style. For example, instead of saying “We designed the
absorption tower on the basis of . . . ,” a more acceptable form would be “The
absorption tower was designed on the basis of . . . ” or “The basis for the absorption-
tower design was . _ . .” The pronoun “one” is sometimes used in technical writing. In
formal writing, however, it should be avoided or, at most, employed only occasionally
Tenses Both past and present tenses are commonly used in report writing; however,
tenses should not be switched in one paragraph or in one section unless the meaning
of the written material requires the change. General truths that are not limited by
time are stated in the present tense, while references to a particular event in the past
are reported in the past tense (e.g., “The specific gravity of mercury is 13.6.” “The
experiment was performed . . . ‘9. Diction Contractions such as “don’t” and “can’t”
are seldom used in technical writing, and informal or colloquial words should be
avoided. Humorous or witty state- 474 PLANT DESIGN AND ECONOMICS FOR
CHEMICAL ENGINEERS ments are out of place in a technical report, even though the
writer may feel they are justified because they can stimulate interest. Too often, the
reader will be devoid of a sense of humor, particularly when engrossed in the serious
business of digesting the contents of a technical report. A good report is made
interesting by clarity of expression, skillful organization, and the significance of its
contents.