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Abbreviations in English List | Common Word Abbreviations

If you’re looking for the most common English abbreviations, including BA, S/E/N/W, i.e., brb, and a whole bunch more, you’re in the right place. Keep on reading for a ton of abbreviation examples!

Abbreviations in English

You can find English abbreviations everywhere when reading. People might even say things like BA or lol when they’re talking. If you need a handy guide about what they mean, here’s a list. Keep scrolling for the pictures, and tips for remembering new vocabulary.

List of English Abbreviations

  • a.m. = before noon
  • asst. = assistant
  • ave. = avenue
  • BA = Bachelor of Arts
  • BRB = be right back
  • Bro = brother
  • BS = Bachelor of Science
  • corp. = corporation
  • Dr. = Doctor
  • E = East
  • e.g. = for example
  • etc. = etcetera
  • FYI = for your information
  • i.e. = that is
  • IMO = in my opinion
  • inc. = incorporated
  • jk = joke
  • lol = laugh out loud
  • Ltd. = limited
  • MA = Master of Arts
  • MBA = Master of Business Administration
  • Mr. = Mister
  • Ms. = Misses
  • N = north
  • n.b. = take note
  • NE = northeast
  • np = no problem
  • NW = northwest
  • p.m. = after noon
  • p.s. = after written
  • Rd. = Road
  • S =south
  • SE = southeast
  • sis = sister
  • SW = southwest
  • TBH = to be honest
  • ty = thank you
  • VP = Vice president
  • vs = versus
  • W = west

English Abbreviations with Pictures

a.m. = before noon

am abbreviation

asst. = assistant

asst abbreviation

ave. = avenue

ave abbreviation

BA = Bachelor of Arts

BA

BRB = be right back

BRB

bro = brother

bro

BS = Bachelor of Science

BS

corp. = corporation

corp. abbreviation

Dr. = Doctor

Dr. abbreviation

E = East

E abbreviation

e.g. = for example

eg abbreviation

etc. = etcetera

etc etcetera

FYI = for your information

FYI

i.e. = that is

i.e. abbreviation

IMO = in my opinion

IMO

inc. = incorporated

inc

jk = joking

jk abbreviation

lol = laugh out loud

lol = laugh out loud

Ltd. = limited

Ltd.

MA = Master of Arts

MA abbreviation

MBA = Master of Business Administration

MBA

Mr. = Mister

Mr

Ms. = Miss

Ms.

N = north

N = north

n.b. = take note

n.b.

NE = northeast

NE

np = no problem

np no problem

NW = northwest

NW

p.m = after noon

p.m.

p.s. = written after

p.s. after written

Rd. = road

rd. = road

S = South

S = south

SE = southeast

SE southeast

sis = sister

sis abbreviations

SW = southwest

SW

TBH = to be honest

tbh

ty = thank you

ty thank you

VP = Vice President

VP

vs = versus

vs

W = west

W west

Learn More English Vocabulary

If you want to learn English, the key is knowing a good amount of vocabulary. Check out these helpful guides:

  • list of winter clothes
  • examples of omnivorous animals
  • stationery things
  • musical instruments
  • hobbies in English
  • math vocabulary list
  • bad personality traits
  • world’s biggest creatures
  • list of doctor types
  • zoo animals names
  • things that come in pairs list
  • names of different flowers
  • list of animal sounds
  • aquatic animals names
  • shoe name list
  • fruit pictures

Word Abbreviations in English

English abbreviation chart

How to Remember New Words

If you’re learning English, you’ll probably want some tips on how to remember new vocabulary words. Here are a few tips:

  • Try to use any new word that you learn ASAP (as soon as possible). This will help you to remember it. Also, be sure to look for it when you’re watching a TV show or reading something in English.
  • Study together with a friend and give each other weekly quizzes. This will help to increase motivation.
  • Make flashcards. One side should have the abbreviation, and the other side should have the explanation. Study them whenever you have a bit of free time.

FAQs about English Abbreviations

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

What does “FAQ” stand for?

“FAQ” stands for “Frequently Asked Questions.”

What does “NASA” stand for?

“NASA” stands for the “National Aeronautics and Space Administration.”

What does “CEO” stand for?

“CEO” stands for “Chief Executive Officer.”

What does “DIY” stand for?

“DIY” stands for “Do It Yourself.”

What does “UNESCO” stand for?

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

Abbreviations Quiz

Word Abbreviations in English: Join the Conversation

Did you find this guide useful? Leave a comment and let us know if there is one that we missed. 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 Business English Vocabulary Builder, 67 ESL Conversation Topics,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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