Latin abbreviations in formal text
Abbreviations a.m., p.m., A.D., B.C.
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Pronunciation: a.m. ['ei'em]; p.m. ['pi:'em]; A.D. ['ei'di:]; B.C. ['bi:'si:].
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The abbreviations "a.m." (ante meridiem = before noon) and "p.m." (post meridiem = after noon) can be used if the time of day is indicated. For example: He works from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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In some cases, "a.m." and "p.m." can be replaced by "in the morning" and "in the afternoon; in the evening". For example: He works from ten in the morning to six thirty in the evening.
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But "a.m." and "p.m." should not be used together with such words as "morning, afternoon, evening, o'clock", because "a.m." and "p.m." convey such meanings themselves. (See more examples in Time in the section Phrases.)
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The abbreviations "A.D." (Anno Domini) and "B.C." (before Christ) indicate years of our era and years before our era. "A.D." is placed before or after the date; "B.C." is placed after the date. Alternative abbreviations for "A.D." and "B.C." are "C.E." (the common era) and "B.C.E." (before the common era).
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Examples with "A.D.": The Norman conquest of England took place in A.D. 1066. Beowulf, an epic English poem, probably dates from the eighth century A.D.
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Example with "B.C.": The first Punic War began in 264 B.C. and ended in 241 B.C.
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