How to use abbreviations

When we speak, we often abbreviate words. We also shorten words when we write text messages (SMS). Here's a handy guide to some of the more common abbreviations.

Speaking


gonna
= is / am going to (do something)
"I'm gonna call him now."

wanna = want to
"I wanna speak to you."

gotta = has / have got to (or have got)
"I gotta go!"

innit = isn't it
"It's cold, innit?"

ain't = isn't / haven't / hasn't
"He ain't finished yet."
"I ain't seen him today."

ya = you
"Do ya now what I mean?"

lemme = let me
"Lemme see … tomorrow's a good time."

whadd'ya = what do you …
"Whadd'ya mean, you don't want to watch the game?"

dunno = don't / doesn't know
"I dunno. Whadd'ya think?"

Text messaging abbreviations

Numbers

2 = to / two
4 = for / four
8 = ate

Letters

U = you
C = see
B = be

CU L8r = see you later

msg – message
pls = please
cld = could
gd = good
vgd = very good
abt = about
ths = this
asap = as soon as possible
tks = thanks
txt = text
LOL = lots of love / laugh out loud
x = a kiss!

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16 comments on “How to use abbreviations”

Ali Reza H

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Ali

Nitti

Dear Team,

I can improve my communication skills after getting your website.

Thanks.

nanonano

Excellent !…
I can use it for creating and sending short msg to my partner abroad.

Thanks

Jiya

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Thanks again

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sa na

love this site :)

Lily

Dear team!
Since i found this site i never stop learning it to improve my communication skill.
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Mewedis

This abbereviations more help us during chat in enternet or 4 short msg

Brooke

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jigisha

really when i got the side i improve and i suggest my friends. thanks a lot

nawal

ta for these abbreviation I liked them in using

Gopal C Paul

Lastly I gotta a website which is giving me confidence day by day to speak in english properly.

I wanna thanks all the virtual members of this family.

allycat

Please be aware abbreviations are forms of slang and are for informal use only. They SHOULD NOT be used on formal documents such as letters, CV's or application forms for jobs.

sayed nadeem

outsanding!
i am an english teacher in peshaware,pakistan my students asked me these kinds of questions
and you made it easy for me
thanks alot

puppy

Hi Clare,
I'd like to ask u a question, which sentence is correct: Nothing's gonna change my love for u or Nothing gonna change my love for u?
In my opinion, if gonna = to be going to do st, the above second sentence is correct.

Hope to receive yr response soon.

Many tks.

Clare

The first is correct, because you need "is going to" so we abbreviate is to 's.

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