Practice
Common abbreviations: meanings, pronunciation, and use
Do you see letters like e.g. in emails and feel lost? This guide explains what they mean.
Short forms save space in writing. This guide explains how to read and use common forms.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
for example fer-ig-ZAM-pul
The short answer
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases used in writing and speech. Some you spell out as letters, while others you say as one word.
We need your ID so we'll fill in the form ASAP.
Why it works: You say ID letter by letter. It means identity card.
4 more examples
-
In a morning team email
Please send me your feedback ASAP so we'll finish on time.
Work colleagues use ASAP to mean as soon as possible.
Not this:Please send me your feedback
rnso we'll finish on time. What changes: Using rn sounds too informal (relaxed, like a text to a friend) for an office email. -
Planning a winter trip
Bring warm clothes, e.g. a thick coat, so you don't get cold.
Use e.g. to list sample items that fit your point.
Not this:Bring warm clothes, e.g. a thick coat, gloves,
etc.What changes: This combination does not follow GOV.UK house style, which treats etc. after e.g. as redundant. -
Talking to tourists
The shop doesn't take cards, i.e. it only accepts cash.
Use i.e. to state the exact meaning of what you just said.
Not this:The shop doesn't take cards,
e.g.it only accepts cash. What changes: Using e.g. suggests other payment types exist here, which is false. -
Setting up a smartphone
You shouldn't share your secret PIN with anyone.
Say PIN like the word pin, not three separate letters.
Not this:You shouldn't share your secret
PIN numberwith anyone. What changes: Adding number repeats the N in PIN, though many people say it.
Quick check
Which shortening means "for example" when you give sample items?
Answer: e.g.
Show the answer
Answer: e.g.
The shortening e.g. introduces examples. The shortening i.e. explains what you mean.
Read the full guide
You open your work inbox and see three strange groups of letters. Your boss wants files ASAP, notes an ETA, and asks for your ID. These quick forms keep messages short when everyone knows what they mean.
Everyday abbreviation meanings
The problem: I see shortened forms each day and do not know what they mean.
You see groups of letters on signs, bills, and phone screens. Each short form replaces a longer group of words. Use the table to connect each form with its meaning.
| Short form | Full words | Plain meaning and example |
|---|---|---|
| ID | Identification | Card showing who you are: Show your ID at the gate. |
| PIN | Personal identification number | Secret code for a card: Enter your PIN at the cash machine. |
| ETA | Estimated time of arrival | When someone arrives: Our ETA is six in the evening. |
| ASAP | As soon as possible | Right away: Please reply to this note ASAP. |
| FYI | For your information | Sharing helpful facts: FYI, our office opens at nine. |
| RSVP | Répondez s'il vous plaît | Please reply to an invite: RSVP before Friday morning. |
| DIY | Do it yourself | Making or fixing things: I love DIY home painting. |
| ATM | Automated teller machine | Bank cash machine: I took out cash from the ATM. |
| e.g. | exempli gratia | For example: Pick fresh fruit, e.g. apples and pears. |
| i.e. | id est | That is: We meet on the last workday, i.e. Friday. |
| etc. | et cetera | And other things: Bring pens, notebooks, folders, etc. |
| vs. | versus | Against or comparing two things: Look at buses vs. trains. |
| DOB | Date of birth | Your birthday: Write your DOB on the doctor's form. |
| PTO | Paid time off | Paid holiday from work: She's taking three days of PTO. |
Your turn
What does RSVP mean when you see it on a party invite?
Answer: Please reply to the host
Show the answer
Answer: Please reply to the host
RSVP asks guests to tell the host if they will come.
Saying letters or whole words
The problem: I am not sure whether to say an abbreviation as letters, a word, or its full phrase.
You stand at a bank counter with a card in your hand. Some short forms sound like letters, but others sound like words. A few written forms are spoken as full English phrases.
Say each letter on its own.
Say I-D or A-T-M when you talk to the clerk.
Say the letters together as one word.
Say PIN like the metal object pin, not P-I-N.
-
Not this:
I bought fruit e-g apples.Say: I bought fruit, for example apples.
Read e.g. as for example in this sentence.
-
Not this:
We need paper, pens, and e-t-c.Say: We need paper, pens, et cetera.
Read etc. as et cetera or and so on. Do not spell the letters.
Your turn
How do you say PIN when you pay with a bank card?
Answer: As one word that rhymes with win
Show the answer
Answer: As one word that rhymes with win
PIN is an acronym, which means you say it as one word.
Choosing e.g. or i.e.
The problem: I see e.g. and i.e. in emails and I never know which one gives an example and which one explains the meaning.
You want to add detail to your email. Pick e.g. for examples and i.e. for explanations. The first letter e can remind you of example, and i can remind you of in other words.
Gives a few items from a bigger group.
We love outdoor games, e.g. tennis and football.
Explains the exact thing you mean.
The final game is tomorrow, i.e. Saturday.
-
Not this:
She speaks two languages, e.g. Spanish and English.Say: She speaks two languages, i.e. Spanish and English.
Use i.e. when you name all the items. She only speaks those two, so they are not just samples.
Your turn
Complete the sentence: "We'll meet on the final day, ___ Friday."
Answer: i.e.
Show the answer
Answer: i.e.
Use i.e. because the speaker defines the exact day.
Shortenings at work and in texts
The problem: I used phone-message spellings in a formal email and want to choose clearer wording.
You type a quick message on your phone. Office emails need recognized business terms, not chat slang. Friends understand chat shortenings, but your team expects standard writing.
Clear forms people know in offices.
FYI, I'll finish this project ASAP.
Slang that looks bad in business.
plz send it tbh rn.
Your turn
Which message is best for an email to your new boss?
Answer: FYI, here's the sales report you asked for.
Show the answer
Answer: FYI, here's the sales report you asked for.
This option uses a complete, polite sentence to share the requested report. The other choices contain informal text spellings.
Before you go
Question 1 of 4
Which shortening do you say as a single spoken word instead of spelling each letter?
Answer: PIN
Show the answer
Answer: PIN
PIN is pronounced like pin. The others are spelled out letter by letter.
Question 2 of 4
Type the two-letter shortening that means "for example".
Answer: You shouldn't skip healthy vegetables, e.g. spinach and broccoli.
Show the answer
Answer: e.g.
Use e.g. when you offer sample items from a group.
Question 3 of 4
Put the words to form a polite workplace request.
Answer: Please send the files ASAP.
Show the answer
Answer: Please send the files ASAP.
In this request, ASAP follows the files and means as soon as possible.
Question 4 of 4 · One new sentence
You want to explain that you are free on only one specific day. Which sentence is best?
Writing to a building manager
Answer: I'm free on my day off, i.e. Tuesday morning.
Show the answer
Answer: I'm free on my day off, i.e. Tuesday morning.
Use i.e. to name the exact day instead of giving an open sample.
Remember this
Read e.g. as for example. Say PIN as one word and ATM as separate letters.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Common abbreviations: meanings, pronunciation, and use"
What is the difference between an abbreviation, an acronym, and an initialism?
An abbreviation is any shortened form. An acronym is made from initial letters and said as a word, such as PIN. An initialism is said letter by letter, such as ATM.
PIN is pronounced as one word.
ATM is pronounced one letter at a time.
When should I use e.g.?
Use e.g. to introduce one or more examples from a larger group. It shows that the items named are samples rather than the complete list.
Bring a warm layer, e.g. a jacket.
Should I write etc. after a list introduced by e.g.?
In GOV.UK writing, do not add etc. after a list introduced by e.g. Its house style treats that combination as redundant.
Choose a hot drink, e.g. tea or coffee.
Bring pens, paper, folders, etc.
How do people say e.g. aloud?
Read e.g. as "for example" when speaking. The written form comes from the Latin phrase exempli gratia.
We need fruit, for example apples and pears.
Does e.g. introduce a complete list?
No. E.g. introduces one or more examples, so the items that follow are samples from a wider group.
Pack something warm, e.g. a sweater.
Questions & comments
Ask about this lesson, share an example, or help another learner.
