Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Sometimes, we call them acronyms and initialisms. In this post, we look at abbreviations, acronyms, and initialisms.

Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms

1. An abbreviation is not pronounced as it is written. Examples: We pronounce Dr as Doctor, Jan. as January, abbr. as abbreviation.
2. An abbreviation usually ends in a full stop. Examples: subj., etc., Pres., adj., Dec., Fri., Univ.
3. If the abbreviation ends with the last letter of the word, you do not use a full stop. Examples: Dr, Mr, Mrs, St, Ave, Sgt (This only applies to British English. In American English, you always add a full stop/period.)
4. If the initial letters of words make up an abbreviation, you do not use a full stop. This is called an initialism and the letters are pronounced separately. Examples: SPCA, UK, HIV, BBC, CIA, UN, CD
5. If the initials of a group of words form a new word, it is called an acronym. The word is pronounced as spelt and no full stops are used. Examples: NATO, AWOL, Aids, Scuba, Laser, Asap (See Seven Rules for Acronyms)

Resources for business writers:

1. The Complete Grammar Workbook
2. The Complete Email Workbook
3. The Report Writing Workbook

by Amanda Patterson
© Amanda Patterson

If you enjoyed this article, read these posts:

1. Punctuation For Beginners: What Is Punctuation?
2. All About Parts Of Speech
3. That or Which – Which one should I use?

Top Tip: Find out more about our workbooks and online courses in our shop.