Abbreviations & contractions are commonly tested in 11 plus English exams.
Abbreviations and contractions shorten words in different ways. Abbreviations usually omit the last part of a word and contractions omit part of the middle of a word. It is important to follow punctuation rules when abbreviating or contracting a word.
Contractions should always be punctuated using an apostrophe showing where the letters are missing from a word e.g. can’t = can not, he’d = he would, he’ll = he will, I’m = I am, won’t = will not, she’s = she is, wouldn’t = would not
Acronyms (and Initialisms) are also a shortened form of writing but that which only uses the initial letters of words e.g. BBC, RAC, NASA, PC
Examples:
I’ve got lots of homework this week. (I’ve = I have)
She’ll visit us in August during her holiday. (She’ll = she will)
If you’re not ready, we will leave without you. (you’re = you are)
I’m hoping you’ll have a lovely birthday. (I’m = I am and you’ll = you will)
There are approx. seventy different types of sunflowers. (approx. = approximately)
The Radiography Dept. is in the east wing of the hospital. (Dept. = department)
In Feb. of each year I make a delicious batch of apricot jam. (Feb. = February)
The shop put an ad in the paper to try and sell more luxury goods. (ad. = advertisement)
