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We are supposed to spell out a military rank when used before a soldier's name, e.g.,

Master Sergeant John Doe.

In subsequent usage, we are supposed to abbreviate the title to

Master Sgt. John Doe

Style guides differ on the exact abbreviation with some preferring MSgt)

My question concerns the definition of subsequent. If you are writing a novel or any lengthy document, should you avoid abbreviating titles entirely or only abbreviate when the title appears several times in the same few pages?

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  • I'd spell it out once per book, or at most once per chapter. Subsequent means all that follow the first full title are abbreviated. Commented Nov 19, 2020 at 15:02
  • To be honest if the book was a novel or biography in which M Sgt John Doe was a major character I'd get fed up of reading even the abbreviated form every time he was mentioned. I'd expect it to be shortened to Sgt Doe, Doe or even John (depending on the context) throughout most of the rest of the book. Commented Nov 20, 2020 at 2:23
  • Thank you BoldBen. You make a good point. In my case, he does not appear very often and has a son by the same name, so I need the distinction. I will definitely keep your recommendation in mind, however, if I confront this situation again. I think you are right. Commented Nov 20, 2020 at 14:18
  • If you're writing a novel, you're unlikely to be constrained by a specific style guide, so you can do what seems sensible. If you are writing a book for a publisher who has a style guide (commoner for academic works), then follow the style guide. This is a matter of style, not grammar. Commented Oct 23, 2022 at 16:00

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