Traditionally, English follows Latin usage by placing the AD abbreviation before the year number, though it is also found after that year. In contrast, BC is always placed after the year number (for example: AD 2021, but 68 BC), which preserves syntactic order.

Is BC written before the year?

The abbreviation BC (Before Christ) is written after the year.

Does the abbreviation BC precede the year?

B.C. stands for before Christ. In English, it is common for A.D. to precede the year, so that the translation of A.D. 2014 would read in the year of our lord 2014. In recent years, an alternative form of B.C./A.D. has gained traction.

What is the correct way to write BC?

BC, BCE, and CE come after the year. Write or say 300 BC or 300 before Christ, 300 BCE or 300 before common era, and 2015 CE or 2015 common era. However, AD comes before the year, so write or say AD 2015 or anno Domini 2015.

How are BC years numbered?

Years preceding AD 1 are numbered using the BC era, avoiding zero or negative numbers. B.C. (or BC) – meaning Before Christ. Used for years before AD 1, counting backwards so the year n BC is n years before AD 1. Thus there is no year 0.

Should I use BC or BCE?

BC should appear after the numerical year, while AD should appear before it. BCE and CE should both appear after the numerical year. As is the case with most initialisms, periods may be used after each letter. Some style guides recommend writing BC, AD, BCE and CE in small caps.

Why is BCE used instead of BC?

The simplest reason for using BCE/CE as opposed to AD/BC is to avoid reference to Christianity and, in particular, to avoid naming Christ as Lord (BC/AD: Before Christ/In the year of our Lord).

What was going on in 1 BC?

c. 6 BC – 4 BC: Birth of Jesus of Nazareth (see Chronology of Jesus birth and death, Anno Domini, and Common Era for further details). 1 BC: Emperor Ai of Han dies and is succeeded by his eight year old cousin Ping.