Spacing

Leave one space after periods, question marks, exclamation points, colons, semicolons, and commas.

Do not leave a space (1) between multi-level numbers of sections, tables, and figures, such as Section 1.2.3, Fig. 4.5.6, Table 12.13.14, (2) between abbreviations with periods like e.g., i.e., and (3) before °, °C, °F, ˚API, and %.

In equations, leave а space before and after arithmetic signs (+, –, *, /, =, <, >, etc.). Omit spaces in sub- and superscripts.

a + b d < с Х = А / В but Са²⁺ ions

If the sign is not part of an equation, it should be closed up to the number.

<2 ~5 – х

Do not leave а space between а function and the parentheses of its argument, but leave spaces between arguments.

x(y) W(x, р) W(x, р, t)

Leave а space (nonbreaking space is preferred) between a number and a unit of measure (also see Units of Measure), but do not separate а number and а symbol or symbols.

25 m/s s 7.9 kW h but 5 xy 2 t

To indicate multiplication, insert a space between metric units, but insert a hyphen in customary units.

mD·m m³/day kPa mD-ft B/D-psi

In text and references, do not leave а space between initials of а person' s name; leave one space between the final initial and the person’s last name. When the name appears in the heading, insert one space between the initials and one space between the last initial and the last name.

In text In 2004, I met М.А. Dubinsky at Moscow State University

In references Dubinsky, M.A.,...

In the main heading M. A. Dubinsky

 

Appendix 1. Common Problems with Usage and Grammar

absent, lacking Absent means not present or missing, lacking implies need or requirement. Data are lacking means that the data are available but we want more.

accuracy, precision A measurement can be precise without being accurate. Precision relates to values reported in very small increments; accuracy reflects the correctness of those values.

all of Except with pronouns, of is unneeded (e.g., all the drill bits, but all of them).

allowing, enabling Allow means to not prevent from happening; enable means to facilitate happening.