Spare Change

Editing Tip: Kinda like "The Beatles," only Opposite

Posted by Bryan

In my inbox, a very specialized bit of insight:

When refering to Woman's Missionary Union, NEVER use the word "The" prior to the reference. Thus:

"The Woman's Missionary Union" should be "Woman's Missionary Union"

"The WMU" should be "WMU."

Why? I have no idea except that WMU takes it as a dis if we do this. Let's not dis the sisters.

Certainly, I must be guilty of this offense, because even in my internal monologue, it just sounds more right to include the "The." And goodness knows, I defer to my mind's ear than a style book more often than I'd like to admit.

Where is "The" required or verboten in your specialized field?