Initialisms
These are formed by using the initial letters of each word in a phrase and pronouncing each letter separately. They are typically written in capital letters. Examples include:
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation
BBC - British Broadcasting Corporation
Acronyms
Acronyms are formed from the initial letters or syllables of a phrase but pronounced as a word. Unlike initialisms, acronyms are pronounced as a single word. Examples include:
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
RADAR - Radio Detection and Ranging
Contractions
Contractions involve omitting letters or syllables from a word to form a shorter version. They often involve replacing the omitted letters with an apostrophe. Examples include:
can't - cannot
won't - will not
I'll - I will
Shortenings
Shortenings involve truncating a word to form a shorter version while still retaining a recognizable portion of the original word. Examples include:
photo - photograph
info - information
exam – examination
Symbols and signs
Symbols and signs are graphical representations used to represent words, phrases, or concepts. Examples include:
& - ampersand (and)
% - percent
@ - at (used in email addresses)
These five types of abbreviations are commonly used in various contexts, including informal communication, technical writing, and everyday language. Each type serves its purpose in providing concise and efficient communication.
