Writing & StyleStyle guide

Ltd. Abbreviation and Punctuation

Ltd/Ltd. is a written abbreviation used after a company name to indicate a limited company; Cambridge documents both punctuated and unpunctuated forms.

Quick answer

“Ltd” or “Ltd.” identifies a limited company. Preserve the organization’s official name; otherwise use the form required by the relevant regional or house style.

Key details

Core IssueLtd/Ltd. is a written abbreviation used after a company name to indicate a limited company; Cambridge documents both punctuated and unpunctuated forms.
Phrase Roleabbreviation or business-writing shorthand
Registerprofessional and business writing

Important caveats

Name Boundary

If Ltd/Ltd. is part of a registered or official company name, reproduce that official form exactly.

Punctuation Boundary

Both Ltd and Ltd. are documented forms, so the period is a style/legal-name convention rather than a universal grammar rule.

Further guidance

Meaning

Cambridge documents Ltd as a company-name abbreviation for a limited company and Business English also shows Ltd.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Ltd — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary and Business English forms for Ltd/Ltd. after company names

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