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15 abbreviations in English that you must learn

English abbreviations are used daily in a work context. Everyone likes to talk in code, and acronyms and abbreviations are great tools to communicate faster and more fun, especially when you want to write a message quickly.

In English, it's almost impossible to get away from these abbreviations.

When you study English with a native speaker, you are amazed when you learn that there are English expressions that don't make any sense and there are English words that no one uses anymore. A waste!

Here are 15 abbreviations in English that you will come across very often and that any English speaker should know.

But first, a little cheat sheet:

Abbreviations are short versions of words and sometimes end with a period (eg “accomm. para accommodation” – accommodation or “adj. para adjective” – adjective).

Acronyms can be said as a word, so you can read them as if they were a name, and they are formed using the letter of each word in the sentence (eg NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

An acronym is when a word is pronounced letter by letter, such as UN (the United Nations). Fun fact – a “the” is usually added before the acronym, but not before an acronym:

“I'm an interpreter at the UN” or “I have an interview at NASA”.

1. RSVP – Please Reply

Like many things in English, this expression comes from French.

RSVP means “Repondez s'il vous plait”. You will see this request on invitations to weddings or other parties. And yes, please answer – that way the bride or invitee will know exactly how many salmon fillets to order.

2. ASAP – As soon as possible (as soon as possible)

“Can you get this in ASAP?” – if you read an email like this from your boss, depending on what it is, you may or may not be in trouble. Anyway, you don't have much time to think!

3. AM/PM – Before noon (morning) or after noon (afternoon)

There's a giant difference between 5 am and 5 pm – and these little terms addressed that problem.

Remember, don't use them if the system you normally use is 24h (6 PM is the same as 18:00) and don't forget to set your alarm to the correct time.

The abbreviations of minutes in English are very important. An alarm to use in the morning, which only wakes up at 19:00, doesn't help anyone.

4. LMK – Let me know (Tell me what you think later)

Casual and among friends – perfect for an end to a message. LMK shows that you are waiting for confirmation or more information.

5. BRB – Be right back – (I'll be right back)

Sometimes when we're chatting through messages, something else needs our attention: Whether it's the doorbell, the cat wanting to go outside or an irresistible urge to drink coffee. Don't keep your friend waiting – just say BRB.

6. DOB - Date of birth

“What is my DOB?” You must have asked yourself that the first time you saw this. After all, it resembles a piece of clothing or a type of medicine. Well, doubt aside, you do have a DOB – we all do! You probably celebrate yours every year with lots of birthday cake, ice cream and ridiculous party hats.

7. CC/BCC – Carbon copy/blind carbon copy – Carbon copy/invisible carbon copy

While this refers to the stone age of e-mail, these terms come from analog times when copies were made using carbon paper. Quick rule of etiquette: when you email people in CC, remember that they can see who also received the email. (And you don't "reply all" unless you really want to!).

8. TBA/TBC- To be announced/To be confirmed (to be announced/to be confirmed)

Remember that friend's wedding invitation you have to RSVP ASAP? Be careful if it says TBA location or TBC fiance. It means she still doesn't have everything organized.

9. ETA – Estimated time of arrival

“See you on Tuesday, ETA 9 PM” – You may see this acronym when someone is going to travel, but you are not sure of the arrival time.

10. TGIF – Thank God it's Friday

Sung by workers all over the world every Friday – the weekend is here

11. FOMO – Fear of missing out (fear of missing an event)

With the weekend coming up, you might get a serious FOMO. Imagine: You've been invited on a date, but you don't really feel like it. But at the same time, know that it's going to be fun and that you might regret not going. You are in agony not knowing what to do.

12. IMO – In my opinion (or IMHO – In my humble opinion)

We all have different opinions. You can express yours like this.

13. N/A - Not available/Not applicable

Use this when you are filling out a questionnaire or form, and a section or question does not apply to you.

14. AKA – Also known as (also known as)

This expression is used when we want to refer to something or someone by another name – often nicknames, like one of your friends referring to their newborn son saying “This is Eddie, aka “The poop machine”” or as Chileans refer to their beloved soccer player, Alexis Sanchez aka 'El Niño Maravilla'.

15. DIY - Do it yourself

People who like to complete tasks themselves rather than hire professionals (aka DIY-ers) are everywhere. From fixing electronics to renovating furniture at home, you can imagine that DIY projects can turn out to be fantastic successes or terrible misfortunes.