In this blog post, you’ll learn about commonly used acronyms and abbreviations in English, particularly those frequently used in business. Acronyms are formed from the initial letters of a phrase, while abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases. Understanding these will enhance your ability to communicate quickly and effectively in professional settings. This lesson provides a list of commonly used acronyms and abbreviations with their meanings and example sentences to help you master their usage.
What is an acronym?
An acronym is a shortening of a phrase into letters, forming a new word. For example:
- NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
- AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
What is an Abbreviation?
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. For example:
- Ave. (Avenue)
- Prof. (Professor)
- Corp. (Corporation)
- Jan. (January)
- Ltd. (Limited)
Common Acronyms and Abbreviations
Today, we’ll explore these handy shortcuts in language. Acronyms are words formed from the first letters of a phrase, while abbreviations are shortened versions of words.
| Acronyms | Meanings | Examples |
| AGM | Annual General Meeting | “Last year’s activities and accounts will be discussed at the AGM.” |
| B2B | Business to business (sells things to other businesses) |
“Here’s an interesting article on B2B commerce.” |
| B2C | Business to consumer (sells things to the general public) |
“We are thinking of re-entering the B2C market.” |
| CEO | Chief Executive Officer (most important job in a company) |
“Mr. Brown reports directly to the CEO.” |
| CFO | Chief Financial Officer (in charge of the company’s finances) |
“The CFO is attending a meeting on cost reduction.” |
| CPA | Certified public accountant (qualified accountant) |
“A CPA deals with our income tax returns.” |
| CTO | Chief technology officer (in charge of computer systems) |
“The town’s CTO declared that all schools would have new computer systems next year.” |
| COB/EOB | Close of business / End of business | “I need an estimate by tomorrow COB.” (or EOB) |
| COD | Cash on delivery | “You don’t have to pay now – it’s COD.” |
| N/A | Non-applicable | “The information requested does not apply.” |
Acronyms for Business
| Acronyms | Meanings | Examples |
| NDA | Non-disclosure agreement (agree not to reveal information) |
“All those present will be asked to sign an NDA.” |
| OT | Overtime (working extra hours) |
“No OT will be approved this month.” |
| PR | Public relations | “The PR department is planning a press conference.” |
| ROI | Return on investment | “Investors always hope for a high ROI.“ |
| RSVP | Reponses sail vows plait | “RSVP to Julie before the end of the month.” |
| TBA | To be announced | “Details of the agreement are TBA.” |
| TBD | To be determined | “An appropriate course of action is TBD.” |
| VAT | Value added tax | “It costs 1500€, VAT included.” |
| YTD | Year to date | “What are our YTD sales figures?” |
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