Abbreviation Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.2.3.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Abbreviations are used to speed up our ability to convey information (or info.) to one another. An abbreviation shortens a phrase or word and sometimes it even includes symbols. In the Digital Age we are even using pictures in the form of emoticons to convey our emotional state in writing (mostly electronic means). Abbreviations hold a great deal more power than just making things quicker to reference or say. It can make things more tangible and concrete. This is never much truer than for a Swedish retailer by the name of IKEA. The acronym stands for the founder's name (Ingvar Kamprad), a farm (Elmtaryd) that was located in his boyhood town (Agunnaryd). What would they be without an abbreviation? The worksheets below will get your students focused on the proper use of abbreviations in written communication.

Abbreviation Worksheets To Print:

Months of the Year - When we measure time, we are always leaving bread crumbs behind. This worksheet my require a little bit of knowledge about holidays of the year.

Weekly Journal - Create a journal of your last week. Make sure to use some shorthand along the way.

Invitations - Please invite some of your friends along the way. We often take for granted the abbreviations we use regularly in our everyday lives.

Matching States - It almost feels like a quick quiz in your Social Studies class. Bring these states to the forefront.

Creating State Abbreviations - What is the State that most people forget the abbreviation of? According to my 7th colleague, it is Nebraska.

Correcting States - See if the placements are correct. Some are right and others are wrong. If they are incorrect, explain why.

Measurements - Do you know how much time the human race saves by using shorthand here? We look at just about all the major units of measure.

Addresses - The short name for "Avenue" is the most used in the world, according to a postal survey.

Addressing People - Mister, Miss, Misiz... We explore how to address people with this worksheet. Some of these you may need to research.

Create Your Own - I think we do this all the time with texting these days. First, write down 10 words and/or phrases that you write or say a lot. Then, come up with a shortened version of each word or phrase

Fill In the Blank - What is missing? This worksheet is awesome! I use it all time. It cover a huge variety of abbreviations.

Fill In the Blank Again - Another stellar worksheet. I use this for my off period classes. Some language skills are required.

Choose Wisely - A little multiple choice allows makes it fun. Some of these you may need to look up.

Which State Is It? - Back to the States of the Union. We just can't get enough practice with the States. Did you get Nebraska yet?

Writing the Right Way - This puts it altogether for you. For each number, write a sentence using the abbreviation of the word listed.

Why Do We Use Abbreviations?

When we are asking someone the time an event takes place in the distance future. We will often follow it by asking them if the time is AM or PM, without even giving it a second thought. AM and PM are abbreviations that have been used to describe the twelve-hour clock since the dawn of written communication. We take these little condensed words and phrases for granted often. The fact remains that abbreviations are a powerful part of the English language that helps us project our thoughts to others quickly. Abbreviations, for the most part, are slang and new forms of them are being created all the time. They remind us how fluid the English language is and how it is constantly involving.


In today's technology-driven society acronyms seem to have been embraced in all facets of our lives. Acronyms are just multi-word abbreviations for something. It could be a phrase like LOL (Laugh Out Loud), an organization like the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), or even a technology like GPS (Global Positioning System). Like any abbreviation, acronyms help others quickly identify the subject or context of what we are trying to share with them.


Commonly Used Abbreviations That Are New to Students


This form of communication is used in all walks of life, but they also occur more often in certain sectors. Here is a quick look for you at some of more practical forms. Students will often not have seen most of these unless they frequent the kitchen or other walks of life that involves maps or taking measures.


A.K.A - also known as. This is used when a person is recognized by different names. An example would be the man named Alexander III of Macedon who is also known as Alexander the Great.


A.S.A.P – as soon as possible. This indicates we need something performed or completed quickly.


B.O. - body odor. This is seldomly a good thing. It usually means someone smells unhygienic. Especially in a classroom.


c/o - care of. (We use this when snail mailing packages. It signifies who the mail is to be received by.)


D.I.Y - Do it yourself. This is often used in personal home maintenance and repair.


misc. - miscellaneous. This is when you have a thoroughly mixed group of something that does not fit into a single category.


R.S.V.P. - This is an abbreviation of a French expression. This basically asks you to please give a response. You will find this often accompanying an invitation. People holding the event need to know if you will attend, so that they can plan accordingly.


T.B.A - to be announced. This is used when a group knows that something will occur, they just are not sure on the specific details as of yet.


temp. - I put this one in here because it often trips up students. You need to read into the context of where it is used because it can have two meanings. The first is for temperature or measure of heat attributed to something. It can also be used to indicate something that is temporary, meaning only for a short time.


vs. - This stands for versus which mean against. We use this commonly for sporting events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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