Abbreviations In English Grammar

Introduction

Abbreviations in English grammar are short forms of words or phrases, created in various ways. It can consist of shortened letters or words from the original, like abbr. for abbreviation. This article defines abbreviations, discusses forms like acronyms and contractions, and highlights their role in making communication clear and concise. We will also provide examples to illustrate the concept.

Let’s get started first with the definition of abbreviation!

What are abbreviations in English Grammar?

An abbreviation is a shortened word used mainly in writing to represent the complete form. It can consist of shortened letters or words from the original, like abbr. for abbreviation. Abbreviations can also use initials as in “CEO” for Chief Executive Officer, or foreign language representations like “e.g.” or “i.e.” Abbreviations serve as a linguistic tool to expedite communication, saving time and space in both spoken and written language.

Types of Abbreviations in English

Abbreviations come in various forms, each serving a distinct purpose in streamlining language. Understanding the different types is key to navigating the world of abbreviations effectively. In this section, we will delve into the major categories, offering insights into acronyms, initialisms, contractions, shortenings, symbols, and sigla, as well as numerical abbreviations. Let’s explore how each type contributes to concise and efficient communication.

Acronyms

Acronyms are examples of commonly used abbreviations in English grammar. They are formed by taking the initial letters of a phrase and creating a new word from them. For example, “NASA” stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Acronyms are pronounced as single words, rather than as a series of letters.

At times, an acronym becomes so widely used that it transforms into a common word, no longer recognized as an acronym. Examples include “scuba,” derived from “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus,” and “laser,” originating from “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.”

Here are more examples of acronyms:

• NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• SWAT – Special Weapons and Tactics
• NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• RADAR – Radio Detection and Ranging

Initialisms

Similar to acronyms, initialisms are abbreviations formed by using the initial letters of a phrase. The key distinction is that initialisms are pronounced letter by letter, not as a single word. An example is “CEO” for Chief Executive Officer.

Here are more examples of initialisms:

• FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
• CIA – Central Intelligence Agency
• ATM – Automated Teller Machine
• DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Contractions

Contractions involve shortening words by combining two or more elements, often through the omission of letters or syllables. Examples include “can’t” (cannot) and “I’m” (I am).

Here are more examples:

• can’t – cannot
• won’t – will not
• don’t – do not
• it’s – it is

Clipping

Clippings refer to the shortening of a word by removing one or more syllables. For instance, “phone” is a clipping of “telephone,” and “flu” is a clipping of “influenza.”

Here are examples of clipping:

1. Ad – from “advertisement”
2. Gym – from “gymnasium”
3. Phone – from “telephone”
4. Exam – from “examination”
5. Pic – from “picture”

Blending

Blending involves combining parts of two words to create a new word with a fused meaning. While it’s not a traditional abbreviation like acronyms or initialisms, blending is a form of linguistic abbreviation where portions of multiple words are brought together to form a compact and often more convenient term. Examples of blending include “brunch” (breakfast + lunch) and “smog” (smoke + fog).

Here are examples of blending:

1. Brunch – from “breakfast” and “lunch”
2. Smog – from “smoke” and “fog”
3. Infomercial – from “information” and “commercial”
4. Motel – from “motor” and “hotel”
5. Spork – from “spoon” and “fork”

Textese

Textese (texting language or SMS language) (also known as textism) is a form of abbreviation. In textese, individuals use shortened forms of words and phrases to convey messages more quickly in the context of text messaging or online communication. These abbreviations often involve omitting vowels, using numbers for letters, or employing other shorthand methods. Examples include “lol” for “laugh out loud” and “u” for “you.”

While textese may not follow traditional abbreviation forms like acronyms or initialisms, it is a common and informal way of abbreviating words in digital communication.

Here are more examples:

1. LOL – Laugh Out Loud
2. BRB – Be Right Back
3. OMG – Oh My God
4. TTYL – Talk To You Later
5. IDK – I Don’t Know
6. BTW – By The Way
7. ROFL – Rolling On the Floor Laughing
8. FYI – For Your Information
9. GR8 – Great
10. BFF – Best Friends Forever

Titles and Academic Degrees

Titles and academic degrees can be considered forms of abbreviation. They are often shortened forms used to represent a person’s status, profession, or level of education. For example:

• Mrs. for “Missus”
• Mr. – for Mister
• Dr. – for Doctor
• Prof. – for Professor

Similarly, academic degrees are abbreviated to indicate a person’s educational qualifications:

• Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy
• M.A. – Master of Arts
• B.Sc. – Bachelor of Science

Numerical Abbreviations

Numerical and Measurement Abbreviations:

Numerical abbreviations represent specific positions or orders in a sequence, while measurement abbreviations denote units of measurement.

Here are some examples:

1. 1st – first
2. 2nd – second
3. 3rd – third
4. No. – number
5. lb. – pound (weight)
6. mph – miles per hour
7. Kg. – kilogram
8. oz. – ounce
9. in. – inch.

Latin Abbreviations

Latin abbreviations are commonly used in various contexts, including formal writing, academia, and legal documents. Here are some commonly used Latin abbreviations:

1. et al. – et alia (and others)
2. etc. – et cetera (and so forth)
3. i.e. – id est (that is)
4. e.g. – exempli gratia (for example)
5. cf. – confer (compare)
6. viz. – videlicet (namely)
7. ibid. – ibidem (in the same place)
8. et seq. – et sequens (and the following)
9. ad hoc – for this purpose
10. ex officio – by virtue of one’s office

List of commonly used abbreviations in English

• A.D. = anno Domini, “in the year of the Lord”
• A.M. = Ante Meridiem, “before midday”
• cf. = confer, “bring together” and hence “compare”
• B.A. = Bachelor of Arts
• B.S. – Bachelor of Science
• M.A. = Magister Artium, Master of Arts
• e.g. = exempli gratia, “for example”
• et al. = et alii, “and others”, “and co-workers”
• etc. = et cetera, “and the others”, “and other things”, “and the rest”
• i.a. = inter alia, “among other things”.
• ibid. = ibidem, “in the same place (book, etc.)”
• i.e. = id est, “that is”
• id. = idem, “the same (man)”
• N.B. = nota bene, “note well”
• Ph. D. = Philosophiæ Doctor, “Teacher of Philosophy”
• P.M. = Post Meridiem, “after midday”
• S.O.S. = si opus sit, “if there is need”, “if occasion require”, “if necessary”
• vs. = versus, “against”

Conclusion

Abbreviations are essential linguistic tools that enable concise communication across various domains. Understanding the diverse types of abbreviations enhances our ability to use language efficiently.

Related materials

• Contraction
• Clipping
• Blending
• Abbreviations
• Acronyms