Quick fix: **ex.** works for “for example” in formal writing, while **EX** means “excused” in school grading starting in 2026.
What's going on here?
Confusion around “ex” comes from mixing Latin roots, abbreviations, and unit symbols.
You’ll see “ex” used for “out of,” “example,” “excused,” “former partner,” or even inches and centimeters. (Honestly, it’s a mess.) The right choice depends entirely on context—pick wrong and you might confuse readers or even automated systems that read abbreviations.
Here's how to fix it
Use ex. for “for example” in formal writing, EX for “excused” grades, and unit symbols like in. or cm for measurements.
- For “for example” in formal writing (ex.):
- Type ex. with a period and space afterward (e.g., ex. apples, bananas).
- Skip the period in casual chats—platforms like Snapchat default to EX for “former partner,” which can cause real confusion.
- In academic or professional work, never drop the period. Ever.
- For “excused” in school grading (EX):
- In systems like PowerSchool or Infinite Campus (v2026.1), enter EX when an assignment is excused.
- Some districts tack on EX/ABS if the absence affects make-up work.
- Check your district’s 2026 style guide—Chicago Public Schools, for instance, still uses EX per their 2025 policy update.
- For unit symbols (inch and centimeter):
- Inches can be in, in., or the double prime (′′). Example: 5 in. or 5′′.
- Centimeters are always cm without a period. Example: 10 cm.
- In LaTeX or Word, grab the double prime from Insert → Symbol → ′′ or just type '' in math mode.
Still stuck?
Double-check the context and replace ambiguous abbreviations with full phrases when needed.
- Check the context: If “ex” shows up on a resume and could mean “executive,” ask the recipient what they meant. Better yet, use Exec. to clear things up.
- Spell it out: In important emails or documents, avoid abbreviations altogether. Write “for example,” “excused,” or “former partner” instead.
- Check the rulebooks:
- The Associated Press Stylebook (2026) says use ex. for “for example.”
- The Chicago Manual of Style (18th ed.) backs EX for “excused” grades.
How to avoid this mess next time
Set defaults in Word, build grading templates, and clarify units up front.
- Set defaults: In Word 365 (v2026.2), add ex. to AutoCorrect: File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options → Replace: ex → With: ex.
- Use templates: Build a grading template with dropdowns for EX, EX/ABS, M, and I to keep entries consistent across semesters.
- Clarify units: In technical specs, always spell out units on first use (e.g., 10 inches (in)) to keep everyone on the same page.
