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I really hate the out of control use of acronyms and abbreviations. In these days of instant messaging and chat rooms, acronyms and abbreviations are becoming all too common.

They’re not just annoying, but slow to read and awkward to say (do we say the letters, like in BBS, or pronounce it like a word, as in AIDS). There are plenty of people who agree with me. A great deal of writers, professors, language purists and old prudes like me (I’m not yet 30 if you’re checking) can’t stand them. I would link to them, but most of the blogs and comments I’ve seen are maybe, er, not appropriate (very strong language).

What makes it even worse is that many people learning English adopt acronyms and abbreviations quite quickly. I’m not sure why. I’ve had students use them in class and I didn’t know what they were saying. The students would give me a confused look like - “how can you not know this?”. Then I had to explain what they’re using is often slang or jargon. These students, who have a vocabualry about 1/20th the size of mine, are using this stuff. Often it’s from work - they have jobs where acronyms or abbreviations are often used in the workplace or that particular field of business. But the rest of the English speaking world doesn’t know them or use them.

Let’s get this straight. Acronyms and abbreviations do not make you sound intelligent, and they are not, in general, much faster to say. I can see how it makes sense to use them in writing sometimes, but only if they’re high-use, well-known ones that your readers will know. There’s nothing more frustrating than not understanding a piece of text or what someone is saying because they use too many acronyms and abbreviations.

I admit, I use them here at EnglishPod - we have our own little language of acronyms and abbreviations - but I wouldn’t use them with outsiders because I wouldn’t expect them to be understood. So to everyone out there, please limit their use - make yourself clear, stop the confusion.

For all those who need help understanding acronyms and abbreviations, go here to find out what possible meanings they might have.

Tip #3: Create sample sentences!
Your goal, as a language learner, is to develop the ability to communicate in a wide variety of situations. A great way to practice this is to write sample sentences for each of the new words you learn. You should try to use the new word in as many different situations and locations in the sentence as possible. Once you run out of sentences, try Googling the word to find other samples in English language websites. Here are some examples of sample sentences.

New Word: wireless

1) The wireless network is broken.
2) Our office is wireless.
3) I need a product that provides very fast wireless connectivity.

And a Google search reveals lots more sample sentences.

Tip #2: Learn relevant things!
When you are learning English, it is much easier to remember language that is related to your job, life, interests, etc. And, because these things are related to you, they will be far more useful. So, don’t waste time trying to learn words that you will never use, or discussing things that don’t interest you. Instead, focus on what you need or like. You will have far better results.

Here are some suggestions for learning activities that will be highly relevant:

1) See if you can translate your resume into English.
2) Keep a diary in English, and use it to describe your life. You will find you will need to use a dictionary to learn new words, and because these words are related to your life you will remember them better.
3) Regularly read an English language website or blog about one of your hobbies. Because it interests you, you will have greater motivation and better retention of new vocabulary.

If you have any other strategies for relevant learning, I’d love to hear them in the comments section!