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.