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in Learn English

List of Common English Abbreviations | Short Form Words

If you want to learn the most common English abbreviations like FYI, brb, N/E/S/W, Dr. and more, then you’re in the right place. Check out this list of short form words in English.

List of Common Abbreviations in English

Let’s get into the abbreviations in English that you need to know!

  • corp = corporation
  • BS = Bachelor of science
  • bro = brother
  • brb = be right back
  • BA = Bachelor of Arts
  • Ave. = Avenue
  • asst. = assistant
  • a.m. = Before noon
  • Dr. = Doctor
  • Dr. = Drive
  • E = East
  • e.g. = for example
  • etc. = etcetera
  • i.e. = that is
  • IMO = in my opinion
  • Inc. = Incorporated
  • jk = joking
  • lol = laugh out loud
  • Ltd. = Limited
  • MA = Master of Arts
  • MBA = Master of Business Administration
  • Mr. = Mister
  • Mrs. = Misses
  • Ms. = Miss
  • N = North
  • n.b. = take note
  • NE = North East
  • np = no problem
  • NW = North West
  • p.m. = after noon
  • P.S. = written after
  • Rd. = Road
  • S = South
  • SE = South East
  • sis = sister
  • SW = South West
  • FYI = for your information
  • tbh = to be honest
  • ty = thank you
  • VP = Vice president
  • vs = versus
  • W = West

English Abbreviations with Pictures

Check out these English short-form words, along with pictures to help you get the meaning of them.

corp = corporation

Corp. = Corporation

BS = Bachelor of Science

BS = Bachelor of Science

bro = brother

bro = brother

 brb = be right back

brb = be right back

BA = Bachelor of Arts

BA = Bachelor of Arts

Ave. = Avenue

Ave. = Avenue

asst = assistant

Asst. = Assistant

a.m. = before noon

a.m. = ante meridiem (before noon)

Dr. = Doctor

Dr. = Doctor

Dr. = Drive

Dr. = Drive

E = East

E = East

e.g. = for example

e.g. = example gratia (for example)

etc. = etcetera

etc. = etcetera

i.e. = that is

i.e. = id est (that is)

IMO = in my opinion

IMO = in my opinion

Inc. = incorporated

Inc. = Incorporated

jk = joking

jk = joking

lol = laugh out loud

lol = laugh out loud

Ltd = Limited

Ltd = Limited

MA = Master of Arts

MA = Master of Arts

MBA = Master of Business Administration

MBA = Master of Business Administration

Mr. = Mister

Mr. = Mister

Mrs. = Misses

Mrs. = Misses

Ms. = Miss

Ms. = Miss

N = North

N = North

n.b. = take note

n.b = nota bene (take note)

NE = North East

NE = North East

np = no problem

np = no problem

NW = North West

NW = North West

p.m. = after noon

p.m. = post meridiem (after noon)

P.S. = written after

P.S. = post scriptum (written after)

Rd. = Road

Rd. = Road

S = South

S = South

SE = South East

SE = South East

sis = sister

sis = sister

SW = South West

SW = South West

FYI = for your information

FYI = for your information

tbh = to be honest

tbh = to be honest

ty = thank you

ty = thank you

VP= Vice President

VP = Vice President

vs = versus

vs = versus

W = West

W = West

Common English Abbreviations Chart

Take a look at this chart of common abbreviation words in English.

abbreviation words in English

Chart of English abbreviations

FAQs about Abbreviation Examples

There are a number of common questions that people have about short forms in English. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What does “ASAP” stand for?

“ASAP” stands for “As Soon As Possible.”

What is the abbreviation for “etcetera”?

The abbreviation for “etcetera” is “etc.”

What does “FYI” mean?

“FYI” means “For Your Information.”

What is the abbreviation for “United States”?

The abbreviation for “United States” is “U.S.”

What does “DIY” stand for?

“DIY” stands for “Do It Yourself.”

 

What is the abbreviation for “International Business Machines Corporation”?

The abbreviation for “International Business Machines Corporation” is “IBM.”

What does “UNESCO” stand for?

“UNESCO” stands for “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.”

What is the abbreviation for “Doctor”?

The abbreviation for “Doctor” is “Dr.”

What does “FAQ” mean?

“FAQ” means “Frequently Asked Question.”

What is the abbreviation for “Number”?

The abbreviation for “Number” is “No.”

What does “CEO” stand for?

“CEO” stands for “Chief Executive Officer.”

What is the abbreviation for “National Aeronautics and Space Administration”?

The abbreviation for “National Aeronautics and Space Administration” is “NASA.”

What does “IQ” mean?

“IQ” means “Intelligence Quotient.”

Abbreviations Quiz

Learn More English Vocabulary

Now that you’ve mastered short forms in English, it’s time to turn your attention to other things! Here are some things to get started with:

  • Things that Come in Pairs (in English)
  • Computer parts name list
  • English Fruit Names
  • Names of Musical Instruments
  • Sea Animals List
  • Vegetables Names in English
  • Herbivore Animals List
  • Shapes List

English Abbreviations List: Join the Conversation

Do you have any English abbreviations that you’d like us to add to this list? Or, any tips for remembering them? Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults, Great Debates for ESL/EFL, and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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