What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abbreviations
Example
The United States of America is often abbreviated as USA. [abbreviated: verb]
Example
Please use the abbreviation 'et al.' when citing multiple authors. [abbreviation: noun]
shortening
Example
I'm gonna go to the store. [shortening of 'going to']
Example
Wanna grab some pizza later? [shortening of 'want to']
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abbreviations are more commonly used than shortenings in formal writing and technical documents. Shortenings are more commonly used in informal writing and speech, and may vary depending on the region or culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abbreviations and shortening?
Abbreviations are generally considered more formal than shortenings. Abbreviations are often used in academic writing, technical documents, and legal texts, while shortenings are more commonly used in casual conversations and informal writing.
