Page 34 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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abbreviations and acronyms punctuation
We usually write abbreviations without full stops in modem British English. Full stops (ArnE 'periods') are normal in American English.
Mr (AmE Mr.) =Mister (not usually written in full) kg (AmE kg.) =kilogram Ltd =limited (company)
initial-letter abbreviations
Some abbreviations are made from the first letters of several words. This often happens with the names of organisations.
the BBC =the British Broadcasting Corporation
These abbreviations are most often stressed on the last letter.
the BBC lOa bi: bi: 'si:1 the USA lOa ju: es 'ell
If one of these abbreviations has an article (aJan or the), the form and pronunciation of the article depend on the pronunciation of the first letter of the abbreviation. Compare:
- an EU country
a US diplomat la ju: .. .1(NOT tUl US ...)
- a BA degree
an MP Ian em .. .1(NOT tl 1UP)
- the USA lOa ju: .. .1(NOT I~i: je: .. ./)
the RSPCA IOi: a:r .. .1(NOT /~8 El:f •• ./) acronyms
Some initial-letter abbreviations are pronounced like words. These are often called acronyms. Articles are usually dropped in acronyms.
UNESCO Iju:'neskaul (NOT the UNl3SCO) =the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
Note that not all initial-letter abbreviations are pronounced as words. the CIA lsi: at 'ell (NOT IJsle/) the IRA lat a:r 'ell (NOT11ft:J:pe/)
plurals
An apostrophe (') is sometimes used before the s in the plurals of abbreviations.
MP's, CD's OR (more often) MPs, CDs.
For abbreviations used in text messages (e.g. hope 2 c u for hope to see you). see 147.
For a list of common abbreviations. see a good dictionary.
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3 [be] able
We use able especially in the structure be able + infinitive. This often has the same meaning as can (see 122). There is a negative form unable.
Some people are able to I can walk on their hands.
I am unable to I can't understand what she wants.
Can is preferred in the sense of 'know how to', and in expressions like can see, can hear etc (see 125).
Can you knit? (More natural than Are you able to knit?)
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