NGS Style Manual - U -

In both legends and text, spell out on first use; after that U.S. is acceptable. United States is preferred to America and American as both noun and adjective:

chief United States export.

Possessive form is United States'. Use contiguous or conterminous for the 48 states. The continental United States comprises the 48 plus Alaska. In Alaskan context, lower forty-eight may be used.

For the proper appellation for a citizen of a particular state, consult the "Geographical Names'' section of Webster's,with exceptions entered in this manual.

Abbreviations:

U.S., U.S.A.

USA USAF USCG USGS USMC USN USNR U.S.S.

United States Army United States Air Force United States Coast Guard United States Geological Survey United States Marine Corps United States Navy United States Naval Reserve United States Ship

See also federal, government, nation, and state.