English Acronym

How to Form Acronyms

Acronyms are created by taking the initial letters of each main word in a phrase. Words such as “and” and “of” usually are not included in the acronym. Here are some examples:

• FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation

• NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• UN – United Nations

• ASAP – as soon as possible

• GPS – Global Positioning System

Here is an example of how to use an acronym in a sentence:

Please send me the report ASAP so I can review it before the meeting.

Common features of acronyms include:

• Most acronyms are written in all capital letters. However, some acronyms, especially those that become commonly used words, may be written in mixed or lowercase letters, such as radar (radio detection and ranging).

• Periods are generally omitted from acronyms. Modern style often omits periods between the letters of acronyms (e.g., UN rather than U.N.). However, some older styles or specific acronyms still use periods (e.g., U.S.A. for the United States of America).

• Add a lowercase “s” to pluralize acronyms (e.g., CDs, ATMs). Avoid using an apostrophe for pluralization (e.g., IDs, not ID’s). However, to show possession, you must add an apostrophe and “s” to the acronym (e.g., NASA’s mission).

How to Pronounce Acronyms

Some acronyms are pronounced as a single word (e.g., NASA) while others are generally pronounced as individual letters (e.g., FBI).

If the acronym starts with a consonant sound, then “a” should be used as the definite article (e.g., a NASA project). If the acronym starts with a vowel sound, then “an” is used instead (e.g., an FBI agent).

How to Use Acronyms in Writing

When introducing an acronym in written text, spell out the full phrase first, followed by the acronym in parentheses. After that, you can use just the acronym. For example:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the national security service. The FBI handles various federal investigations.

If the acronym is well-known, it may be used without first introducing it in full.

Common Acronyms

Here are some acronyms for well-known institutions:

• EU – European Union

• WHO – World Health Organization

• EPA – Environmental Protection Agency

• NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization

• SCOTUS – Supreme Court of the United States

• WTO – World Trade Organization

Here are some examples in context:

The EU recently introduced new trade regulations.

The WHO is coordinating global efforts to combat the spread of infectious diseases.

The EPA issued new guidelines to reduce air pollution in major cities.

Here are some acronyms for commonly-used phrases:

• AKA – also known as

• DOB – date of birth

• ETA – estimated time of arrival

• FAQ – frequently asked questions

• FYI – for your information

• TBA – to be announced

• DIY – do it yourself

• PIN – personal identification number

• Wi-Fi – wireless fidelity (wireless internet)

• CEO – Chief Executive Officer

Here is how we use these acronyms in context:

FYI, the office will be closed next Monday for a holiday.

What’s your ETA? We’re waiting for you to start the meeting.

He loves DIY projects and built his own bookshelf from scratch.

There are also some more modern acronyms for popular phrases used in text messaging, online chatting and social media (in written text). Here are some examples:

• LMK – let me know

• LOL – laugh out loud

• BRB – be right back

• NVM – never mind

• BTW – by the way

• OMG – oh my God

• IDK – I don’t know

• IRL – in real life

• TMI – too much information

• TBH – to be honest

• IYKYK – if you know, you know

Let’s see how these acronyms look in context:

LMK if you’re coming to the party, so I can save you a seat.

BTW, I heard they’re opening a new coffee shop downtown.

IDK what time the movie starts, but I’ll check the schedule.