Use Of Abbreviations In Crosswords

[noviceman1]

This is a general question regarding abbreviations.
Can someone tell me when an abbreviation is required for my answer ie is there an indicator similar to anagrams.Also is the abbreviation normally to be found at the start of the clue,or can it pop up anywhere.
This part of the clues always throws me away from obtaining an answer.
Help to explain would be very useful.

[Calibax]

Sometimes there will be an abbreviation indicator like ’briefly’ or ‘in short’ but for common abbreviations such as Dr, MP or Rd, usually not.

[Calibax]

They can appear anywhere in the clue but the elements of the word play are usually given in the correct order , or if not, this is indicated by X in Y, X after Y, X around Y etc.

[Old_Geezer]

You have to get used to the setter of the crossword to see how they normally set/hint at things. But even if you don't know them, a keen flexible mind and a willingness to accept these clues can be anywhere well finding them and interpreting them correctly is all part of the fun.