Learn more English: speak like a native

Common abbreviations in English - 16 abbreviations you should know


Today we are going to learn 16 of the most common abbreviations of everyday life in the United States.


A fan of my YouTube channel has noticed that the abbreviation for pounds is lbs, and he tells me it looks like Spanish: pounds.


Why?


Well, it comes from Latin rather than Spanish, and it is also reflected in the symbol they use for the pound sterling: £.


I suppose there are many things that are still made in Europe (and by extension the United States, Canada, Australia, etc.) that are like that simply because the Romans decided to do so 2,000 years ago.


This is the story!


Well, let's look at the abbreviations.


If you prefer something more conversational, you may be interested in textspeak and internet slang, which talks about the proper abbreviations for text messages and online forums.

You may Read also what does wtw mean in texting

We continue ...


16 common abbreviations in English

Here is the video, and then you can see all the common abbreviations in English (we call them abbreviations, by the way) and a little explanation of their use and meaning.




I hope you liked it. Now, we can see all of them in writing. The abbreviations are divided into categories: street types, titles, units of measurement, etc.


Common abbreviations for streets and more

Ave = Avenue (avenue)


St = Street (street)


Blvd = Boulevard (boulevard)


Rd = Road (street or path, rather in the field)


Titles for people

Dr = Doctor (used for doctors and people with a doctorate)


Mr = Mister (honorary title for a man)


Mrs = Missus (a married woman or of a certain age)


Miss ... It has no abbreviation. Used for miss: a young or unmarried woman.


Ms = a woman indifferent to her marital status. It is not an abbreviation for anything, but it is written as if it were.


Common abbreviations for units of measure and distance

In the United States, we don't use a lot of kilos or centimeters or kilometers. So we have our own system of measuring things, which is somewhat more complex. But hey, we are used to it.


oz = ounces


lbs = pounds (pounds)


ft = feet (feet. also in the singular, foot)


in = inches (inches)


yds = yards (no idea ... a yard is three feet, slightly less than one meter)


mi = thousands (miles)


no = number (number)


And also… ambiguous abbreviations

St = We saw it as “street”, but it can also be Saint.


Dr = We saw it as a Doctor, but it can also be a drive (another type of street)


Here the position in the sentence tells us the meaning.


He moved to St Paul. (Saint Paul.)


He lives on Washington St. (Washington Street.)


To put points or not to put points?

The only thing it says about that in Practical English Usage is that in British English they are written without a period and in American English, it is typical to put periods.


On the other hand, it seems to me that the titles in American English would be more appropriate, but something like oz I do not see it with a point.


In any case, don't worry. Put it on or not, most likely no one will notice.


You should also mention that when the abbreviation is a title or part of a proper name, it should be capitalized.


So: Go down the street and it's on your left. (An abbreviation would not be used in such a sentence and it is lowercase because it is not a proper noun.)


But: The post office is on Lincoln St, next to the town hall. (There St. is part of the proper name and is capitalized.


Click here for more on capital letters and when to use them.


Acronyms in English - acronyms

Another topic is acronyms in English - acronyms.


Acronyms are formed from the first letters of various words. They are usually written in uppercase and without periods.


the FBI = the Federal Bureau of Investigation


the UN = the United Nations


the WHO = the World Health Organization


NAFTA = the North American Free Trade Agreement


the USA = the United States of America


the EU = the European Union


We also have acronyms for common expressions. The acronym should be capitalized, technically, but anything goes in texting.


Here are some examples ...


BTW = by the way


ETA = estimated time of arrival


DIY = do it yourself


ASAP = as soon as possible


Etc.


Some acronyms are pronounced like a word (like NAFTA), and others are pronounced letter by letter. Listen and you will learn ...


Note that some acronyms have the same letters as in Spanish but in a different order.


This is due to the difference that in English we put the adjective before the noun, while in Spanish it goes after it.


NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization


NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization


DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid


DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid

The best way to make sticky rice in a rice cooker

There are many types of glutinous rice from countries around the world, including Thailand, China, and Japan. For this recipe, look for Thai glutinous rice or Chinese glutinous rice, sometimes labeled "sweet rice" or "glutinous rice." "While the grain has a few different names, they are all the same.

Sticky rice is traditionally steamed, but did you know you can prepare it too? sticky rice in your rice cooker with delicious results? Cooking sticky rice in your rice cooker reduces steps and is so quick and easy to make, you'll find yourself enjoying sticky rice more often.

Glutinous rice is great when served with stir-fries, curries, or any dish with a delicious sauce. Also great for desserts like sticky rice with mango. If you don't have a rice cooker, you can make your sticky rice in a pot on the stove.

You may also be interested to know about the following recipe khao neeo mamuang

ingredients

2 cups Thai sticky rice also called sweet or glutinous rice

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps to do it

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Put sticky rice in your rice cooker.

3. Add the water and stir.

4. Let the rice rest for at least 40 minutes and up to 4 hours. Sticky rice has a tough outer shell that must be softened for the best texture.

5. Add the salt and stir once more. Turn on your rice cooker .

6. When your rice cooker turns off, let the rice rest for at least 5 more minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Advice

Sticky rice will get stickier the longer it stays, so if you want it really sticky, make it ahead of time.

If you find that the rice is too sticky for your taste, skip the soaking of the rice. Although soaking rice before cooking is common, eliminating this step will result in more al dente texture - while this may not be traditional, it may be more palatable.

How to store and freeze

Store cooked sticky rice in your refrigerator and try to consume it within 2 to 3 days.

To freeze sticky rice, transfer portions to airtight containers or zip-top freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.

What is the difference between white rice and glutinous rice?

The main difference between regular white rice and sticky rice is there in the name; the latter has a sticky and sticky texture. While the white rice had individually textured grains, the sticky rice sticks together and is great for absorbing both sweet and savory sauces. It also requires soaking before cooking - white rice does not.

What is the difference between glutinous rice and sweet rice?

Glutinous rice goes by a few names, which makes it confusing when visiting the grocery store or reading a recipe. It is often referred to as sweet rice thanks to its many applications in sweet dishes. Whether labeled glutinous rice, Thai glutinous rice, sweet rice, or glutinous rice, it is all the same type of rice and will work great for this recipe.

How to use sticky rice

Glutinous rice can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts, stir-fries, and meatballs. Here are some ideas :

Use sticky rice to make a layer cake dessert or the classic Thai favorite mango rice .

Make sticky rice dumplings with prepared sticky rice, chicken, and seasonings.

Combine 1 1/2 cups of sticky rice leftover from a day with 1 beaten egg and salt, to taste. Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Shape into patties with the rice mixture and fry until hot and golden brown on both sides.

What to do in the event of a roof leak?

Roof leaks: how to diagnose them? How to avoid water damage caused by a leak on the cover? To which roofer to entrust the renovation of his roof and at what price?

Laurent, from Couvreurs Occitans, gives us his three expert tips for maintaining his roof and repairing it at the right price in the event of a leak.

Tip n ° 1: make a roofing diagnosis

In the event of a roof leak, if it is raining in the house, it is first necessary to carry out a diagnosis to identify where the problem comes from. The water leak can come from a recurring problem (severe thunderstorms, storms, bad weather) which causes water to seep into the roof. But it can be due to the aging of the roofing or of certain elements of the free roof inspection san antonio ( Velux which leaks, joinery in bad condition, broken or cracked tile, gutter …). The leak must therefore first be diagnosed by a qualified structural and roofing professional.

The diagnosis is free since it is the duty of the carpenter-roofer to make an inventory. To calculate the number of roof repairs, he will also provide a free estimate. You can immediately request your quote online to find a qualified craftsman near you. If necessary, the roofer can carry out an emergency intervention to avoid water damage or degradation of your attic.

Tip 2: call your insurance in the event of a roof leak

If the roof leak causes water damage, the damage may be covered by your insurance company. Calling your insurer should therefore be a reflex in the event of water infiltration from the roof. But beware: the amount of work is limited! If your roof, blanket, or frame is in poor condition, insurance will not finance a brand new roof! Indeed, the waterproofing of the roof is the responsibility of the owner. It is, therefore, necessary to have your roof maintained regularly ( roof cleaning, defoaming, water repellent treatment.) and if possible by a qualified craftsman. Regularly carry out small repairs on cracked or damaged tiles and slates. This will prevent you from having to completely redo your roof.

Tip 3: know the life expectancy of your roof

The different types of roofs do not age in the same way ( terracotta tile, natural slate, green roof, roof terrace, etc.).

The condition of the roof also depends on the period of construction of the roof. A lot of construction work took place in the 70s and 80s, the tile manufacturers were less demanding on the quality of the materials used… In general, if we redo our roof today, it has a lifespan of 50 at 60 years old. The tiles are guaranteed for a minimum of 30 years.

In all cases, major roof renovations should be avoided. if the cover reaches the end of its life. This is why you have to be able to trust a roofing craftsman, who can honestly guide you in your roof repair work. You must contact a roof replacement san antonio company labeled RGE (Recognized Guarantor of the Environment) to be able to benefit from aid for energy renovation.

The price of a roof varies according to the work to be done: gutters, structural treatment, replacement of certain structural elements, type of roofing material (tiles, slates, etc.). Between the removal of the old roof, the refitting with an under-roof screen or waterproofing membrane, the starting price is100 euros per m² to redo a roof. Or 12,000 euros for a house of 120 m².

If we add roof insulation (not attic insulation), that is to say, sarking panels, the price of the roof renovation starts at 180 euros per m².

How to Choose Furniture for Your Living Room

Regardless of whether you live with your family or alone, the living room is a very important space. It is the room where your family and visitors spend pleasant moments.

In order for your living room to function according to your needs, it is very important that you choose furniture that truly provides a cozy and pleasant appearance, and that at the same time, resists the damage and wear of every day.

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

To take the measurements you need a tape measure, a normal meter, or a folding rule to measure the width and length of your room. You should also measure any wall niches or other recessed spaces.

MAKE A PLAN

You can use graph paper although you can also make the sketch on printing paper or on a notebook sheet. You need to determine how much space you can leave for the furniture and sketch out some of the different ways that the furniture in bd can be placed. Remember, you have to leave at least one meter of free space between the furniture so that you can combine without tripping.

CHECK THE DOORS

To avoid mishaps at the time of delivery of the furniture, it is essential that you measure the width of the doors. Never buy furniture that you cannot put in your house.

PREPARE YOUR ROOM

Once you have determined the space that you should leave for the furniture and where you have to place it, you proceed to mark the positions on the floor so that you have a better visual aid. Attach sheets of newspaper or use masking tape.

THINK ABOUT HOW THE ROOM WILL BE USED

If your living room is going to be a space where your family spends comfortable moments daily, you have to place strong furniture that is made of a material that resists stains, especially if you have small children. But, if you are only going to use the room to entertain occasional guests, I recommend you choose more fragile pieces made of delicate fabrics.

NOTICE THE NATURAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE ROOM

Some rooms have integrated elements that will help you determine the type of furniture that is best varied in your room. For example, if your living room has a nice rustic fireplace, a cabin-like decor will be the best option over totally modern furniture. The totally modern furniture is perfect for a living room of an apartment with a view of the city.

START WITH THE BASICS

Most of the rooms have an armchair, a sofa, a side table, and a coffee table. So, you should look for these items first before adding additional pieces like ottomans or more tables.

BUY FURNITURE THAT IS INVESTMENTS

I recommend that you look for furniture that is sturdy with a strong wooden frame and steel springs. Be careful, good quality furniture is more expensive, but it tends to resist and last longer.

CHOOSE FURNITURE THAT IS MADE OF A GOOD QUALITY, STAIN RESISTANT MATERIAL

High-quality and luxurious materials will make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. They even last longer than cheap materials. A resistant material is essential for the decoration of rooms since these spaces are the most used for meetings with family or friends.