Abbreviations and shortened words are common in English, both in writing and in speech. They help save time and space, and are often used in everyday language, official documents, and informal conversations.
Letters or words
- MP: Member of Parliament
- PM: Prime Minister
- EU: European Union
- PC: Personal Computer
- BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation
- UN: United Nations
- UK: United Kingdom
- USA: United States of America
- OPEC: Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
- AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
- CEO: Chief Executive Officer
- ATM: Automated Teller Machine
- GDP: Gross Domestic Product
- WHO: World Health Organization
- NBA: National Basketball Association
Written forms only
Some abbreviations are mainly used in writing, especially as titles or forms of address.
- Mr: Mister, used for men
- Mrs: a married woman
- Ms: a woman who may be single or married
- Miss: 用于未婚女子姓氏或姓名前，女士
- Dr: Doctor
- Prof: Professor
- St: Street or Saint (depending on context)
- Ave: Avenue
Abbreviations as part of the language
These are commonly used in both writing and speech, especially in academic or formal contexts.
- etc.: and so on (et cetera)
- e.g.: for example (exempli gratia)
- i.e.: that is, in other words (id est)
- vs.: versus, against
- a.m.: before noon (ante meridiem)
- p.m.: after noon (post meridiem)
- No.: number
Shortened words
Many English words are shortened in everyday speech and writing. These are called clipped words.
- fridge: refrigerator
- bike: bicycle
- exam: examination
- mum: mother
- ad/advert: advertisement
- dad: father
- maths: mathematics
- case: suitcase
- vet: veterinary surgeon 兽医
- flu: influenza
- lab: laboratory
- phone: telephone
- photo: photograph
- TV/telly: television
- paper: newspaper
- gym: gymnasium
- demo: demonstration
- info: information
- pub: public house (酒吧)
Tips for Using Abbreviations
- Use abbreviations that are widely understood in your context.
- In formal writing, spell out the full term the first time, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
- Some abbreviations use periods (e.g., U.S.A.), while others do not (e.g., UK). Both forms are correct, but be consistent.
Abbreviations and shortened words make English more efficient and are an important part of everyday language. Learning them will help you read, write, and speak English more naturally.