For example, when writing a list of fields to be filled e.g.
Name:
D.O.B.:
Address:
Is the colon after D.O.B. correct?
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1Surprisingly to me, R H K Webster's licenses DOB as a variant, and AHD doesn't mention other variants, while Collins says the use of full stops with the initialism is old-fashioned. DOB: looks tidier (and tidiness is important in writing). – Edwin Ashworth Feb 02 '22 at 14:24
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2The rules are the same for colons as for semicolons and commas. Does this answer your question? Punctuation around abbreviations – Stuart F Feb 02 '22 at 14:29
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Note that most dictionaries would not regard DOB as an acronym as it is 'spelled out'. Compare BBC, IMF. Contrast NASA, AIDS, radar, which are acronyms according to what most consider the default definition. – Edwin Ashworth Feb 02 '22 at 17:04
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In terms of usage, "it looks funny" is not a reason to use or avoid punctuation. The colon serves a purpose, and its proximity to the period has nothing to do with its purpose.
Typographic considerations might be different. If you don't like the visual appearance, you might consider using other symbols. Since these are not sentences, they don't have to use colons; underlines, m-dashes, etc. could be considered. One might also adjust kerning, letter spacing, or font until the effect is aesthetically pleasing.
Andy Bonner
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