The full plural of “exhibit” is “exhibits,” and the common abbreviation is:
- Exs. (plural form)
This abbreviation is used in various contexts, such as legal documents, academic works, or museum-related materials, when referring to multiple items or pieces.
Legal Context:
In legal contexts, exhibits often refer to documents, evidence, or items presented in a court case. When referencing these documents or objects in written text, “Ex.” (singular) and “Exs.” (plural) are used.
- Example 1: “The defendant’s evidence is marked as Ex. 1.”
- Example 2: “Exs. A, B, and C were presented during the trial.”
Museum or Educational Context:
In museums, exhibits refer to displayed objects or collections. The plural abbreviation “Exs.” may be used for referring to multiple pieces on display.
- Example: “The museum has many Exs. from the Renaissance period.”
Other Common Uses:
- Business/Presentation Settings: In presentations or when referencing items in a report, “Exs.” might be used to abbreviate exhibits that are discussed or shown.
- Catalogs: When listing items, especially in academic catalogs, the abbreviation “Exs.” can save space when referring to multiple pieces being described or analyzed.
How It’s Formed:
- Singular: “Exhibit” → “Ex.”
- Plural: “Exhibits” → “Exs.”
Special Notes:
- Punctuation: In formal writing, it’s common to see a period after the abbreviation (“Ex.” or “Exs.”). In some cases, especially in titles or headings, the period may be omitted for simplicity (e.g., “Ex A,” “Exs B and C”).
- Alternatives: While “Exs.” is common, it’s not always used universally. In some contexts, people might prefer to write out the full word “exhibits” for clarity or when space isn’t an issue.
Example in Different Contexts:
- Legal Context:
“Please review Exs. 1, 2, and 3 for further details regarding the case.” - Museum Context:
“The museum is currently displaying Exs. from ancient Egypt.” - Academic Context:
“Several Exs. are presented in the appendix for further examination.”
In summary, “Exs.” is the standard abbreviation for the plural of “exhibit,” commonly used in legal, academic, and professional contexts to refer to multiple pieces or items.