Abbreviation Basics
Which is an acronym: BBC, NASA, or Dr.?
NASA
Which is more suitable in formal writing: photo or photograph?
Photograph
DIY
Do It Yourself
“Photo” is a shortened form of what word?
Photograph
What common abbreviation could replace “by the way” in an informal message?
BTW
Why are abbreviations useful in writing?
They save time and space and avoid repetition.
can abbreviations like don't and doesn't be used in school essays?
no they can't be used
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
“Gym” is short for what word?
Gymnasium
You need to shorten “as soon as possible” in a work message. What could you write?
ASAP
This abbreviation is commonly used to mean “for example.”
e.g.(exempli gratia)
What is the full form of demo (as in this is the demo version) , which may sound too informal in some formal texts?
Demonstration
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
“Fridge” is a shortened form of what word?
Refrigerator
You are writing a formal report. Which would you choose: approx. or approximately?
Approximately
What does etc. mean?
Et cetera / “and other similar things”
Which shortened word, memo, comes from a longer word often used in formal communication?
Memorandum
TBA
To Be Announced
“Flu” is actually an abbreviation of what word?
Influenza
You see this sentence in a science report: “IDK why the experiment failed.” Rewrite the abbreviation in a more appropriate way.
“I do not know why the experiment failed.” / preferably explain the uncertainty more formally.
What is the difference between an abbreviation and an acronym?
An acronym is pronounced as a word; an abbreviation is any shortened form.
What longer word is hidden behind admin, a shortened form often used in workplaces?
Administration / administrator, depending on context
RSVP
Please respond / Répondez s’il vous plaît
Which common word began as an abbreviation: radar, table, pencil, or window? What did it originally stand for?
RADAR — Radio Detection and Ranging
Abbreviations can make communication easier, but they can also cause problems. Name one benefit and one drawback of using them.
Benefit: shorter/faster communication. Drawback: they may be unclear, misunderstood, or too informal.