This one is meant to emphasize the end of a comment, sometimes sarcastic. For very specific acronym users to make a formal argument in an informal context. This one is often seen on Reddit, and it's used to ask a question about a complex idea. Another oldie, typically used in an anonymous context, often starting an interaction. Borrowed from "Star Wars," it's another way of saying good luck.
GTR: Getting Ready. This is used in Internet comments to correct the grammar of a person that commented earlier, or can be used to be funny. Often written in a comment, if a person doesn't want to read an entire article but has something to say anyway. It may start a post on Facebook or Reddit, and is used to introduce new information. Often seen on Reddit, it's used to explain that you messed up trying something. This signifies that a post or article is typically inappropriate for the workplace.
Alternatively, some things are just gross in general so a post might let you know that before you click. Monday is a day to Instagram the man you have a crush on. Wednesday is a day to Instagram the woman you have a crush on. Now that you know how abbreviations are formed, you may be wondering how they're pronounced. Most of the time, they're pronounced the same as the original word —whether you're reading it aloud or in your head.
For example, Prof. Snape would be pronounced Professor Snape not Prof Snape. The abbreviation etc. The important thing to remember is that abbreviations aren't words in the true sense—they're more like shorthand.
There are some exceptions that are pronounced differently. For instance, AM , PM , i. This happens when the abbreviation becomes more popular than the original term—usually because the original is too long or outdated. For example, AM stands for Ante Meridiem. That's Latin for before noon. Who knew? Luckily, there aren't many exceptions like this, so you don't have to worry too much about making a mistake. Most abbreviations are pronounced the same as the word they're based on, like hr , min , and sec that's hour , minute , and second.
This is one of the most common questions people have about abbreviations: Do you have to use a period at the end when writing it out? There's no strict rule that says you do—it's kind of up to you. Sometimes adding a period is expected and can make the abbreviation easier to read. Take the example below.
On the other hand, some abbreviations never use a period; for example, state postal abbreviations like NY , CA , and TX. The abbreviation for United States of America can be written with a period between each letter, but it's much more common without. The same goes for measurement abbreviations like ft , in , and cm. There are abbreviations for so many different things, it would be impossible to list them all here.
Here are some of the most common abbreviations you'll see and use:. You may have noticed that the abbreviations for ounce oz and pound lb are a little different from the rest. They're spelled using letters that aren't part of the original word. This is because the abbreviations are based on older forms of each word—ounce comes from the Italian word onza , and pound from the Roman word libra.
Many blur the line between abbreviations and acronyms, but they're abbreviations nonetheless. In other words, they abbreviate something in a contemporary way, using initials, slang, and other shorthand.
They make it possible to communicate quickly, and that's what makes them a form of abbreviation. Look closely at the heading above, and you may find your answer. Believe it or not, OK is an abbreviation too, and we use it on the site all the time. A good rule for abbreviations is to put the reader first. Ask yourself: Will the abbreviation make the sentence easier to read, or will it confuse the reader for example, if the abbreviation is too obscure?
If an abbreviation still sounds like a good idea, next consider the context. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is shortened to FBI, but this is always pronounced by saying each letter separately. Below you'll find lists of commonly used acronyms and initialisms in everyday environments and situations. The world of email , texting , and instant messaging has given rise to a whole series of acronyms and initialisms that allow texters to complete their messages more quickly.
Nearly all are initialisms because they are pronounced letter by letter. Occasionally some are pronounced as words in conversation, though this is uncommon. The abbreviations that are sometimes pronounced as acronyms have been bolded.
Understanding what is being said in a government or official setting can be difficult. Here are some common acronyms used in government and military settings. True acronyms that are pronounced as words have been bolded:.
Acronyms are a useful way to convey essential information quickly, but only if you know what they mean. Informative acronyms are commonly used in the medical field but have also crossed over from industries into daily life.
0コメント