An acronym is a pronounceable name made up of a series of initial letters or parts of words; for example, UNESCO for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
An initialism, on the other hand, is simply a set of initials representing a name, organization, or other entity, with each letter pronounced separately, as FBI for Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Form the plural of most acronyms and initialisms simply by adding “-s.” Thus, one IRA, two IRAs.
When using a or an before an acronym or initialism, use a if the acronym or initialism, when spoken, begins with a consonant sound, as in a UFO. But use an if it, when spoken, begins with a vowel sound, as in an FDA hearing.
Though the New York Times does otherwise, you should spell acronyms and initialisms without periods. Thus: FBI. Not: F.B.I.
Grammar Tips & Articles »
acronym, initialism
This Grammar.com article is about acronym, initialism — enjoy your reading!
- 43 sec read
- 4,342 Views
Font size:
Citation
Use the citation below to add this article to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"acronym, initialism." Grammar.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 31 Oct. 2024. <https://www.grammar.com/acronym-initialism>.
Have a discussion about this article with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In