What is an abbreviation?
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase.
Some examples of abbreviations include:
Doctor - Dr.
Mister - Mr.
Missus - Mrs.
Etc. - Etcetera
Cont. - Continued
Why are abbreviations used?
Abbreviations are used to shorten a word or phrase to make it easier on the writer. Let us take the following exapmle:
Professor Hellen and Mister Wilson were discussing Mister Henson's overall performance in tidiness, punctuality, etcetera.
This could easily be shortened by making the following abbreviations:
Professor = Prof.
Mister = Mr.
Etcetera = Etc.
Let us take a look at the revised sentence:
Prof. Hellen and Mr. Wilson were discussing Mr. Henson's overall performance in tidiness, punctuality, etc.
It makes the writing a lot easier.
Here are a few links to activities that deal with abbreviations:
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_fowler_lbh_10/45/11769/3012998.cw/index.html
http://www.education.com/study-help/article/abbreviations-acronyms_answer/
Things learned in this packet:
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases that are used to make the writing easier.
Abbreviations are used for the following:
Abbreviations are not used:
Periods are used for:
They are NOT used in:
Source: See above sections for sources.