Abbreviate state names

Learning Objectives Identify the two main types of state abbreviations: traditional and postal. Correctly write the two-letter postal abbreviation for at least 15 common states. Apply the correct capitalization and punctuation rules for both traditional and postal abbreviations. By the end of of this lesson, students will be able to use the correct postal abbreviation when writing a mailing address. Explain why some short state names (like Ohio or Iowa) are not abbreviated. Correct sentences that use state abbreviations incorrectly. Have you ever wanted to send a letter to a friend in another state? 💌 Let's learn the secret code that helps your mail get there super fast! In this lesson, you will learn how to shorten, or abbreviate, the names of the 50 states. Knowing...

TermDefinitionExample AbbreviationA shortened form of a word or phrase. We use abbreviations to save time and space when writing.The abbreviation for the word 'Mister' is 'Mr.' StateOne of the 50 main regions that make up the United States of America.California, Texas, and Florida are all states. Postal AbbreviationA special two-letter code for a state, created by the U.S. Postal Service to make mailing easier. These are always two capital letters with no period.The postal abbreviation for New York is NY. Traditional AbbreviationAn older way of shortening a state's name, often used in writing stories or articles. It usually starts with a capital letter and ends with a period.The traditional abbreviation for New York is N.Y. Capital LetterThe large form of a letter...

The Postal Abbreviation Rule Always use two capital letters and NO period. This is the most common rule used today, especially for mailing addresses. The post office uses machines to read these codes, so they must be clear and consistent. For example, California is CA, and Texas is TX. The Traditional Abbreviation Rule Start with a capital letter, use several letters from the name, and end with a period. You might see this type of abbreviation in books or articles. They are longer than postal abbreviations. For example, California is Calif., and Texas is Tex. The 'No Abbreviation' Rule Some short state names are never abbreviated. States with five or fewer letters, like Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, and Utah, are usually spelled out completely i...