assignment abbreviation

What is the Abbreviation for Assignment?

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How do you abbreviate assignment? There is one common way to abbreviate assignment .

For example,

• English asgmt.

The plural abbreviation of assignment is asgmts.

When to Use This Abbreviation

This abbreviation is used in classrooms, note taking, business, and any time space is of concern. You might abbreviate the word assignment to asgmt . on a homework list or see such abbreviations in note taking , headlines, or newspaper columns.

Outside of note taking or headlines, the word is not abbreviated in general prose.

What Does Assignment Mean?

• Eric had only two more pages of assigned reading but was too tired to follow the words in front of him and fell sound asleep in the arm chair.
• His assignment was to follow the waitress in order to train as a waiter.

The word assignment functions as a noun in the sentence.

Outside Examples of Assignment

• Real Estate heir Robert Durst has been assigned to an Indiana prison which has a medical unit, rather than the California prison requested because he faces a murder trial in Los Angeles, attorney Dick DeGuerin said Sunday. – New York Daily News

Summary: Assignment Abbreviation

There is one common abbreviation of assignment : asgmt. If you want to pluralize the abbreviation, simply add on an “s.”

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We've got 4 shorthands for Assignment  »

What is the abbreviation for assignment  , looking for the shorthand of assignment this page is about the various possible meanings of the acronym, abbreviation, shorthand or slang term: assignment ..

What does Assignment mean?

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Couldn't find the full form or full meaning of Assignment?

Maybe you were looking for one of these abbreviations:.

ASSHTO - ASSI - ASSIA - ASSIC - ASSIGN - ASSIST - ASSIT - ASSK - ASSL - ASSM

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How To Use Abbreviations in Academic Writing

November 3, 2022 | Blog

Cheat sheet

No time to read? Here’s the short version:

• Avoid contractions like won’t, can’t, they’re, it’s .
• The first time you mention a phrase that can be abbreviated, spell it out in full and provide the abbreviation in parentheses. Use only the abbreviation thereafter.
• Only abbreviate phrases that occur three or more times in your paper.
• Avoid abbreviations in titles, headings, the abstract, and the reference section.
• Use the standard abbreviations you find in reputable dictionaries for months, personal titles, countries and states, and some Latin phrases.

What’s an abbreviation?

Abbreviation is an umbrella term for a shortened version of a longer word or phrase. There are four types of abbreviations:

• Contraction: The result of combining two words into one word with an apostrophe. For example, don’t is a contraction of do not.
• Shortening: Shortened words in which a part of the word (usually the beginning or the end, but occasionally both!) has been dropped. They may appear as words in their own right, such as app for application, ad for advertisement, and flu for influenza. They may also appear as truncated words which are read out as if they were full words, such as for professor, Mgmt. for management, and Feb . for February. In such cases, the truncation is usually signalled with a full stop.
• Acronym: A series of letters that represents a longer phrase. The end result is pronounced like a word. For example, NASA is the acronym for the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration and is pronounced nah-sa .
• Initialism: Like an acronym, an initialism consists of several letters and represents a longer phrase. However, the end result cannot be pronounced as a word and instead has to be read letter by letter. FBI is the initialism for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and each letter is pronounced individually: ef-bee-eye.

Contractions are considered informal. They are therefore best avoided in academic writing, where it’s essential to maintain a formal register.

When to use abbreviations

Only use abbreviations for phrases that you use three or more times in a paper. For terms you use less frequently, it’s easier for a reader to read the full phrase than to try to remember an abbreviation encountered only once several pages earlier.

Sometimes, you may introduce an abbreviation at the beginning of your paper, but may not use it again until much later. In that case, consider adding a List of Abbreviations to help the reader follow along.

How to introduce an abbreviation

When you first use a phrase that can be abbreviated, spell it out in full and show the abbreviation in parentheses immediately afterwards.

Organizations often use a request for proposal (RFP) to solicit work.

The study was conducted at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Many UNILAG students were surveyed for this research.

If the long-form phrase is already in parentheses the first time it occurs, use square brackets to set the abbreviation apart.

The number of imprisoned journalists globally has risen in the past 10 years (Society of Professional Journalists [SPJ], 2015).

Remember, after you’ve introduced the abbreviation, use only the acronym throughout the rest of your paper. You don’t need to spell out the full phrase again. That’s the beauty of abbreviations!

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted a joint study with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) on water hygiene in South Africa. WHO provided SAMA with a five-year grant to collect data from 25 hospitals.

How to pluralize abbreviations

To make an acronym or initialism plural, all you need to do is add a lowercase s to the end; no apostrophes necessary!

Correct:           The CEOs were profiled in Forbes magazine.

Incorrect:         The CEO’s were profiled in Forbes magazine.

Incorrect:         The CEOS were profiled in Forbes magazine.

Articles before abbreviations

When to use a or an before an abbreviation.

Use the article that matches the way the abbreviation is pronounced. If the first sound is a vowel sound, use an . If the abbreviation starts with a consonant sound, use a .

an NBC reporter

an MRI machine

a NATO representative

a MOMA exhibit

Still not sure which article to use? Deciding whether to use a or an can be tricky. In a pinch, try searching for the entire phrase online (enclosed in quotation marks) to see how other writers in your industry have approached the problem.

When to use the before an abbreviation

This rule depends on whether the abbreviation is an acronym or an initialism. Add the if the abbreviation is an initialism (not an acronym) for a phrase or name that normally includes the word the (but don’t add the letter T in the abbreviation).

Correct:           the International Criminal Court → the ICC

Correct:           the Women’s National Basketball Association → the WNBA

Incorrect:         the National Aeronautics and Space Administration → the NASA

When to avoid abbreviations

Avoid using abbreviations in the following sections of an academic paper:

Section headings

Reference section.

Your title should be accessible to all readers and easy to understand. Avoid ambiguity by spelling out phrases in full.

Correct:           The Environmental Protection Agency’s Stance on Carbon Capture

Incorrect:         The EPA’s Stance on Carbon Capture

Abstracts are short. It’s unlikely that you’ll use the same term three or more times in an abstract, so abbreviations are not necessary here. However, if you do introduce an abbreviation in the abstract, remember to do it in the body of your paper as well.

Some readers will skim your paper to identify those sections that are most useful to them. Help them navigate the contents more easily by using full phrases in the section headings instead of relying on abbreviations.

Correct:           Undergraduate Enrolment in the Society of Women Engineers in 2018

Incorrect:         Undergraduate Enrolment in the SWE in 2018

You can use abbreviations in in-text citations. In the Reference section (sometimes labelled Works Cited), however, all abbreviations should be written in full.

Correct:            American Psychological Association. (2010). Gen Y’s evolving gender roles.  Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/millennials/gender.

Incorrect:          American Psychological Association (APA). (2010). Gen Y’s evolving gender roles. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/millennials/gender.

Incorrect:          APA. (2010). Gen Y’s evolving gender roles. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/millennials/gender.

Abbreviations in other languages

Sometimes, an abbreviation or acronym might be in a foreign language. In this case, introduce both the full phrase or name of the organization in its original language and the English translation. The abbreviation should reflect the correct word order in the original language.

Italy’s Five Star Movement, known as Movimento Cinque Stelle (M5S), is a populist, anti-establishment reform party.

You can also introduce the abbreviation by putting the original name in parentheses and the abbreviation in brackets within the parentheses.

In parliamentary elections held in March 2018, the Five Star Movement (Movimento Cinque Stelle [M5S]) emerged as the largest party in Italy with 32% of the vote.

When to add a list of abbreviations

If you’ve used 10 or more abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation, consider adding a formal list of abbreviations after the table of contents. This will help your reader follow along more easily. Even if you do include a list of abbreviations, be sure to introduce each abbreviated phrase in full the first time that you use it within your text, with the corresponding abbreviation in parentheses.

A list of abbreviations should contain all the abbreviations your paper uses in alphabetical order. Abbreviations starting with a number should come before the letter ‘A’. Here’s a shortened example from a paper on medicine:

As shown in the example, abbreviations can represent not only names that would be capitalized in their full form, but also common terms that are not normally capitalized, such as blood pressure (BP). If such terms recur often in the running text, it makes sense to abbreviate them, too.

Some acronyms and initialisms are so common that they require no formal introduction; there is no need to define these in either the running text or the List of Abbreviations. Examples include USSR, AIDS, HTML, and GMT.

Frequent errors

Using abbreviations correctly in English is quite tricky, and many writers struggle with this aspect of their academic writing. Here’s a very common mistake: following an abbreviation with a word that is already in the abbreviation. For example, if you say ATM machine , the word machine is redundant because the last letter of the acronym already stands for machine .

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December 3, 2016 by admin

Find out the Abbreviation for Assignment with Meaning & Definition

In this post, I will tell you assignment meaning with some interesting example sentences and I will let you know an abbreviation for the word assignment .

There are two different ways to abbreviate the word assignment . These two common ways are assg . and asgmt .

If you come across the plural of assignment , you just have to add an – s after its abbreviations to make them plural. So, the plural forms would be assgs . and asgmts .

Meaning of Assignment with Definition

This particular word is used as a noun within a sentence. According to Cambridge English Dictionary , assignment is defined as a piece of work given to someone, typically as part of their studies or job, or it can be a job that someone is sent somewhere to do.

For example,

1 . The professor gave us an assignment on the topic ‘Foreign Affairs’.

2 . The greatest failure in life is being successful in the wrong assignment . ( Myles Munroe )

Suitable Areas to use Assg. or Asgmt.

Assg . and asgmt . are the two ways to abbreviate the word assignment . It means that you cannot use these abbreviations in general prose or essays.

You can easily use these abbreviations for assignment in your classrooms while taking notes. The areas where you are not able to write the whole word assignment because of space limitations, such as in headlines, newspaper headings or any business papers, you can use an abbreviation for assignment over there.

• The next community photo assg . will be: Hoosier Holidays. ( Greensburg Daily News )

• We have been designated for an asgmt .

It is concluded that there are two common ways to abbreviate the term assignment i.e. assg . or asgmt . The plural forms can be assgs . and asgmts . (just by adding an – s ).

How to Abbreviate Assignment

What is the abbreviation of assignment? Asgmt. is a common abbreviation for assignment. Others include assgt. and assign.

What is an assignment?

A task or piece of work assigned to a person for completion, often as part of a learning process or professional role.

• "The teacher gave the students a writing assignment."
• "The reporter was working on her latest assignment."

The act of assigning or allocating something, such as a job, duty, or responsibility.

• Example: "The assignment of resources was a crucial part of the project planning."

A legal transfer of rights or property to another person or entity.

• Example: "The assignment of the contract was approved by the court."

Key Characteristics of Assignments:

• Purpose: Assignments serve a specific purpose, such as assessing knowledge, developing skills, practicing techniques, or completing work.
• Instructions: They typically come with clear instructions, guidelines, or requirements that define the scope and expectations of the task.
• Deadline: Most assignments have a deadline for completion, promoting time management and accountability.
• Evaluation: Assignments are often evaluated or assessed to measure performance, progress, or understanding.

Common Types of Assignments:

• Academic: Essays, research papers, projects, presentations, exams, problem sets, quizzes, lab reports
• Professional: Work projects, tasks, client deliverables, reports, presentations, creative outputs
• Personal: Goals, to-do lists, self-improvement projects, creative endeavors

Additional Notes:

• Multiple meanings: In specific contexts, "assignment" can have additional meanings, such as a designated place or position (e.g., military assignment), or a designated seating arrangement (e.g., classroom seating assignment).

From the below graph, we can see that the word "assignment" occurred most frequent around the 1890s to 1900s. "Assignment" decreased in length after the 2000s.

How do we pronounce assignment?

In American English, "assignment" is pronounced uh· sine ·muhnt.

In British English, "assignment" is pronounced uh· sine ·mehnt.

Other related abbreviations

What is the abbreviation of assigned.

ASGD and ASZD is used for military use. Assg is used in real estate, and ASG is used in business settings.

What is the abbreviation of homework?

The common abbreviation for "homework" is "HW."

To sum up, this blog post explored different ways to abbreviate the term "assignment." Whether using standard acronyms or industry-specific abbreviations, the post highlighted the importance of context and clarity in choosing abbreviations. By understanding the nuances, readers can effectively communicate about assignments in a concise and precise manner.

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Engram’s AI-powered grammar checker makes your English sound like a native speaker’s, suggesting natural English expressions on top of fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, word order, and vocabulary.

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Writing academically: Abbreviations

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• Contractions

Abbreviations

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• Using sources in your writing

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Abbreviations and acronyms are shortened forms of words or phrases. Generally, abbreviations are not acceptable in academic writing (with some exceptions, see below) and acronyms are (providing they are used as shown below).

As academic writing is formal in style, most abbreviations should be avoided. Even the common ones shown below:

Some common ones to avoid

Avoid e.g. and i.e. , instead use for example and for instance .

Avoid etc . There isn't really an alternative, so rewrite the sentence.

Avoid dept , govt . Use  department , government .

Avoid NB , instead use note that .

Avoid vs  or v , instead use versus or against (except in Law reports or cases)

Some acceptable abbreviations

Titles such as Mr. Dr. Prof. are acceptable when using them in conjunction with the individual's name i.e. Dr. Smith.

Some Latin phrases

et al. (short form of et alia - and others is acceptable when giving in text citations with multiple authors. The full stop should always be included afterwards to acknowledge the abbreviation. It does not need to be italicised as it is in common usage.

ibid. (short form of ibidim - in the same place) is acceptable if using footnote references to indicate that a reference is the same as the previous one. Again, always include the full stop to acknowledge the abbreviation. It is the convention to italicise this as it is less commonly used.

sic (short form of sic erat scriptum - thus it was written). This is used to indicate there was an error in something you are quoting (either an interviewee or an author) and it is not a misquote. It is added in square brackets but is neither italicised nor followed by a full stop i.e.

"it'd be great if unis [sic] could develop a person's self-knowledge"

Acronyms are acceptable, but use the name in full on its first use in a particular document (e.g. an assignment), no matter how well known the acronym is. For example, on its first use in an essay you might refer to "the World Health Organisation (WHO)" - it would be fine to simply refer to "the WHO" for the remainder of the essay.

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Acronyms and Abbreviations in Academic Writing: A Quick Guide

Abbreviations, acronyms, and Latin expressions can all be found in academic and scientific articles. But as a writer, it can be puzzling to know exactly when and how to use abbreviations and acronyms in formal academic publications. Let’s learn what types of abbreviations there are, what the different style manuals have to say about them, and when you should and shouldn’t include them in your scientific paper.

Table of Content:

What is an abbreviation, using abbreviations properly, how can i use abbreviations in academic writing, how can i avoid making abbreviation mistakes.

An abbreviation is a word that has been shortened from its original longer form. There are several different types of abbreviations.

Acronyms.   An acronym is an abbreviation made from the first letter of each word in a name or phrase. Acronyms are pronounced like a word. NASA, which is short for N ational A eronautics and S pace A dministration and pronounced “Nah-suh,” is one well-known acronym. UNICEF, which stands for U nited N ations I nternational C hildren’s E mergency F und and is pronounced “you-nuh-seff,” is another example.

Initialisms. An initialism is similar to an acronym because it is an abbreviation that uses the first letter of each word in a name or phrase. Unlike acronyms, however, the letters of an initialism are pronounced individually. FBI, which is short for F ederal B ureau of I nvestigations, is an initialism. UK (United Kingdom) and USA (United States of America) are also initialisms.

Contractions. A contraction is when two words are combined for ease with an apostrophe. Common examples of contractions include don’t (do not), aren’t (are not), and let’s (let us).

Latin abbreviations. Latin abbreviations are commonly used in academia and law. Common latin abbreviations used in English writing are etc . (et cetera, “and so on”), e.g . (exempli gratia, “for example”), i.e . (id est, “in other words”), and et al . (et alii, “and others”).

Titles, measurements, and dates. Titles ( Dr . for Doctor, Rev . for Reverend), measurement units ( cm for centimeter, kg for kilogram), and days ( Feb . for February, Fri . for Friday) can all be abbreviated.

Before you begin using abbreviations in academic writing, there are a few rules you need to know. There are three main things to keep in mind when using abbreviations in an academic or scientific paper. These are spacing, capitalization, and punctuation . It is important to note that, like many other aspects of writing, the rules are sometimes different in the US and UK variations of English.

• Spacing . For measurement units, there should be a space between the number and the unit. The unit is written after the number.

Correct : Mumbai had received 11 mm of rain by 6 pm . Incorrect : Mumbai had received 11mm of rain by 6pm .

• Capitalization . Initialisms and acronyms should be written in all capital letters.

Correct : The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) seized Jimin’s $4.7 million dollar apartment for failure to pay premiums. Incorrect : The NHIS (National Health Insurance Service) seized Jimin’s $4.7 million dollar apartment for failure to pay premiums.

Note that if you are abbreviating a phrase that is not a proper noun (name of an institution, organization, etc.), then that phrase should not be capitalized when it is written prior to the abbreviation. For example, if you were introducing BP as an abbreviation for blood pressure, you would write “blood pressure (BP),” not “Blood Pressure (BP).”

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• Punctuation . Generally, periods are used with latin abbreviations as well as dates . In US English, titles are followed by a period (Dr.), while in UK English, the period is omitted (Dr). Initialisms and acronyms generally don’t use periods (we write USSR rather than U.S.S.R.). Contractions use an apostrophe.

Now that you know how to use abbreviations, you may be wondering if and when you can use abbreviations in academic writing. You definitely can use abbreviations in academic writing if you keep the following rules in mind!

• Spell out the full phrase or term the first time you use it in your paper and include the abbreviation in parentheses. You can use the abbreviation each time after that.
• Don’t abbreviate everything . It is fine to abbreviate technical terms or phrases used repeatedly throughout your writing, but only if you use them more than a few times ! The Chicago Manual of Style advises abbreviating a term when it is used five or more times , while the APA only asks that you use an abbreviation if the term is used three or more times. The AMA guidelines suggest that words that are short and easy to write should not be abbreviated at all.
• Provide a list of abbreviations for your reader. Especially if you are writing a thesis, an academic article or a monograph, including a list of abbreviations used at the beginning will give your reader an easy reference.
• Avoid abbreviations in your paper abstract. While abbreviations are perfectly acceptable in the text of your paper, they should be avoided in your abstract as much as possible.
• Avoid contractions. Contractions in English are considered informal, and should therefore generally be avoided in academic writing.
• Minimize the use of latin abbreviations . It is fine to include parenthetical i.e . and e.g. here and there, but in general, it is preferred to simply write out “for example” or “in other words.” Researchers should specifically note that ending sentences with etc. in academic writing is frowned upon, and frequent use of this term is perceived as lazy writing.
• Know how to make initialisms and acronyms plural . You can pluralize abbreviations by adding a lowercase “s” at the end . CEOs, RNs, and NEATs are all examples of correct plural abbreviations.
• Be consistent! Inconsistent abbreviations can confuse the reader and make your paper appear poorly written.  If you abbreviate a word, make sure you use the same abbreviation throughout the text.

In addition to following the tips and tricks above, you should always consult the relevant style manual when you are writing your academic or scientific paper to minimize any abbreviation errors. Another option is to use an AI grammar checker like Trinka. Trinka not only checks for grammar and spelling errors , it can also highlight inconsistent abbreviation use and makes sure that your paper adheres to a specific citation style. Abbreviations are a great way to make your paper more readable or adhere to a limited word count, so don’t be afraid to incorporate them into your academic writing today.

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• Abbreviations

How to Use Abbreviations

Here are the generally accepted guidelines for using abbreviations in formal texts:

• Abbreviate a term only if doing so improves clarity and readability.
• Provide the full form of an abbreviation at first use.
• Avoid starting a sentence with an abbreviation.
• Use all capital letters for initialisms and acronyms ( USA , UK , EU , CEO , GPS ) except abbreviated Latin terms ( e.g. , i.e. , etc. , p.m. ) and scientific and technical abbreviations ( ppm , mph , ml , kg ). Capitalize contractions of titles and proper nouns ( Mr. , Dr. , Rev. , Gen. , Jan. ).
• Don’t use periods in abbreviations with two or more capital letters (except scientific abbreviations and abbreviated SI units).
• Form the plural of an abbreviation by adding s or es without an apostrophe ( DVD s , CMS es , Dr s . Who and Strange ).
• Use a or an before an abbreviation depending on how it is pronounced ( a US senator , an ATM , an MBA degree )

We discuss these and certain exceptions in detail below, with examples.

When to abbreviate a term

An abbreviation as we know is the shortened form of a term. It is usually formed using the first letters of the words of a multi-word term, but it may simply be the short form of a single word. Abbreviations can help you avoid repeating long phrases in a document, thus making it more easily scannable and readable. But abbreviate a term only if it appears multiple times in a text (at least three to five times, depending on the length of the document).

• Poor: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration was set up in 1958. It is responsible for the United States’ civilian space program. Since its inception, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has led the Apollo missions and launched the Skylab space station. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration also supports the International Space Station.
• Better: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was set up in 1958. It is responsible for the United States’ civilian space program. Since its inception, NASA has led the Apollo missions and launched the Skylab space station. NASA also supports the International Space Station.

Also use abbreviations for terms that are known better by their abbreviated rather than full forms—for example, PDF , HTML , ATM , CEO .

Don’t try to abbreviate every single term in a document. Too many abbreviations can render a text unreadable.

• Poor: NASA is the US CSP . Since its inception, it has led the AMs and launched the SSS . NASA also supports the ISS . Better: NASA is the United States’ civilian space program. It has led the Apollo missions and launched the Skylab space station. NASA also supports the International Space Station.

When to avoid abbreviations

Abbreviations can be quite useful when space is limited, but you should confine the use of nonstandard abbreviations to tables, graphs, and figures, except in scientific and technical writing.

Avoid using nonstandard abbreviations in headings; you want the reader to be able to easily skim the document or just its table of contents. Also avoid using abbreviations in captions of figures and tables, which are considered reproducible in other texts and thus standalone.

Providing the full form

In general, explain an abbreviation by providing its full form at first use in a document.

• In urban areas, a small green space ( SGS ) can become a habitat for local species of birds.
• NATO ( North Atlantic Treaty Organization ) is a military alliance of 30 countries.
• The GDPR ( General Data Protection Regulation ) is one of the toughest privacy laws in the world.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration , better known as NASA , has released its latest climate assessment.
• Nongovernmental organizations , or NGOs , fill this gap.

In academic papers and business reports, provide a glossary or list of abbreviations after the table of contents to help the general reader.

Don’t capitalize the words in the full form of an abbreviation unless it is a proper noun.

• CPR: c ardio p ulmonary r esuscitation
• TIN: t ax i dentification n umber
• FBI: F ederal B ureau of I nvestigation
• UK: U nited K ingdom

If a term usually appears in its abbreviated rather than complete form, the abbreviation need not be explained: for example, USA , MBA , PhD , PDF , BC / AD , BCE / CE , FAQ , URL , Mr. , Dr. , rpm , i.e.

You also don’t need to provide the full form of an abbreviation listed as a noun rather than an abbreviation in standard dictionaries like Merriam-Webster . Such terms that are now known better by their abbreviated forms include DNA , IQ , URL , HTML , PDF , hi-fi , TV , and (unfortunately) COVID .

Avoid redundancies like “SSN number.” Since SSN stands for “social security number ,” the word number after the abbreviation is redundant.

Use of capital letters

Abbreviations that are formed using the initial letters of the words of a term (initialisms or acronyms) generally comprise all capital letters.

• FAQ ( f requently a sked q uestion)
• PC ( p ersonal c omputer)
• NAFTA ( N orth A merican F ree T rade A greement)
• BA ( B achelor of A rts)
• BC ( b efore C hrist)

Contractions usually appear in lowercase letters, but those that appear before a name as titles or are part of a proper noun are capitalized (the first letter of the contraction is then a capital letter).

• abbr. (abbreviation)
• vol. (volume)
• ed. (editor/edited)
• Dr. (Doctor)
• Gen. (General)
• Prof. (Professor)
• estd. (established)
• Inc. (Incorporated)

Technical and scientific abbreviations comprising the initial letters of a term may contain lowercase letters. Abbreviated units of measurement are also not capitalized.

• rpm (revolutions per minute)
• bhp (brake horsepower)
• mph (miles per hour)
• km (kilometer)
• GlcNAc (N-acetylglucosamine)

Latin abbreviations are also generally lowercased.

• e.g. ( exempli gratia or “for the sake of example”)
• i.e. ( id est or “that is”)
• ibid. ( ibidem or “in the same place”)
• etc. ( et cetera or “and the rest”)
• et al. ( et alii or “and others”)

In academic and other formal writing, avoid using abbreviations such as e.g. and i.e. in running text. Confine their use to parentheses, figures, tables, and citations.

Use of periods

In general, abbreviations with at least two capital letters contain no period.

Abbreviations that end in lowercase letters often contain periods.

If an abbreviation ending in a period appears at the end of a sentence, don’t add another period after it.

• Incorrect: Our flight is at 3 a.m.. Correct: Our flight is at 3 a.m.

However, periods are omitted in scientific and technical abbreviations, abbreviated SI units, and abbreviations containing the preposition per .

Contractions and other shortened forms that end in a lowercase letter usually take a period.

In British usage, a period (or full stop) is used only if the shortened form comprises the first few letters or the first syllable of the word, but not otherwise. Thus, the contraction Dr (for D octo r ) does not take a period, but one does appear after Jan. (for Jan uary ).

Use of a / an and the

Use a or an before an abbreviation depending upon how it is pronounced. If it starts with a consonant sound, use a ; otherwise, use an .

• a D VD player
• an I Q test
• a U N resolution pronounced “a y oo-en resolution”
• an N BA game pronounced “an e n-bee-ay” game
• an H R professional

With acronyms (abbreviations pronounced as words), the article the is omitted, even when it would be used with the full form.

• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is a cartel of 13 countries. but The OPEC is a cartel of 13 countries.

But with initialisms (in which the individual letters are pronounced), use the with the abbreviation if it is used with the full form.

• The United Kingdom is an island nation that is part of Europe. or The UK is an island nation that is part of Europe.

At the start of a sentence

In formal writing, avoid starting a sentence with an abbreviation. Use the full form instead, or rephrase.

• Poor: UN representatives met in Brussels today. Better: United Nations representatives met in Brussels today.
• Poor: UFDs save lives. Better: Unidentified floating devices save lives.
• Poor: UK health officials are now recommending a booster dose. Better: Health officials in the UK are now recommending a booster dose.

Because acronyms and contractions are read aloud as words, they are acceptable at the beginning of a sentence.

• Correct: NATO officials met with Kuwaiti diplomats in Brussels today.
• Correct: Dr. Green has ordered additional tests.
• Correct: Mr. Mittens is a most respectable cat.

Acronyms are abbreviations pronounced as words. Thus, NATO and NASA are acronyms, while USA and UK are merely initialisms.

If using the full form makes the sentence awkward, use the abbreviated form—for example, to refer to company names.

• Correct: UBS / The Union Bank of Switzerland opened a new office today in London.
• Correct: HSBC / The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation operates in many countries in Asia.

Plural forms

To form the plural of an abbreviation, simply add s (an apostrophe is unnecessary).

Abbreviations that already end in S can be pluralized either by adding another s or by adding es .

• SMS s or SMS es
• CMS s or CMS es

To form the plural of a contraction, add s and place a period after.

• Vols. 1–5
• Remiramen Femy and Minerva Dash, eds.
• Drs. Femy and Dash

The plurals of Mr. and Ms. are Messrs. and Mss. (or Mses. ), seen only in formal usage. For more examples, see this article on how to form plurals of acronyms and other abbreviations .

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If an abbreviation (like HTML and DNA ) is listed as a noun in the dictionary, it need not be explained. Contractions like Dr. are generally used as such. But an abbreviation that isn’t well known (like MTN ) needs to be explained to the reader.

Abbreviations that start with a consonant sound when read aloud ( a y oo-kay passport ) take the article a instead of an .

Although abbreviations are not generally used to start a sentence in formal writing, contractions (like Dr. ) and acronyms (abbreviations pronounced as a word, like NATO ) are acceptable in this position.

To form the plural of an abbreviation, add an s without an apostrophe.

Use standard abbreviations that are easily recognizable in your field, but avoid abbreviating a large number of terms as this can make text confusing for readers. In nontechnical writing, restrict the use of abbreviations to tables and figures.

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What Is the Abbreviation for “assignment”?

According to Purdue University’s website, the abbreviation for the word “assignment” is ASSG. This is listed as a standard abbreviation within the field of information technology.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) format, the word to be abbreviated should be spelled in its entirety the first time it is used, and the abbreviation should be enclosed behind it in parentheses. When engaging in technical or academic writing, it is especially important to confirm that abbreviations are correct before using them in a document. Failure to do so may confuse the reader and cast doubt upon the credibility of the document. Purdue’s website offers a comprehensive list of standard abbreviations.

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• Dissertation

List of Abbreviations | Example, Template & Best Practices

Published on May 23, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

A list of abbreviations is an alphabetical list of abbreviations that you can add to your thesis or dissertation . If you choose to include it, it should appear at the beginning of your document, just after your table of contents .

Abbreviation lists improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader. This can be a worthwhile addition to your thesis or dissertation if your dissertation topic or field of study uses a lot of abbreviations in papers.

If you only use a few abbreviations, you don’t necessarily need to include a list. However, it’s never a bad idea to add one if your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they will not be known to your audience.

You can download our template below in the format of your choice to help you get started.

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Example list of abbreviations

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There are a few rules to keep in mind about using abbreviations in academic writing. Here are a few tips.

• Acronyms are formed using the first letter of each word in a phrase. The first time you use an acronym, write the phrase in full and place the acronym in parentheses immediately after it. You can then use the acronym throughout the rest of the text.
• The same guidance goes for abbreviations: write the explanation in full the first time you use it, then proceed with the abbreviated version.
• If you’re using very common acronyms or abbreviations, such as USA, PC, or NASA, you can abbreviate them from the get-go. If you’re in doubt, just write it out in full the first time.

As well as the list of abbreviations, you can also use a list of tables and figures and a glossary for your thesis or dissertation.

Include your lists in the following order:

• List of figures and tables
• List of abbreviations

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As a rule of thumb, write the explanation in full the first time you use an acronym or abbreviation. You can then proceed with the shortened version. However, if the abbreviation is very common (like PC, USA, or DNA), then you can use the abbreviated version from the get-go.

Be sure to add each abbreviation in your list of abbreviations !

If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .

If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.

A list of abbreviations is a list of all the abbreviations that you used in your thesis or dissertation. It should appear at the beginning of your document, with items in alphabetical order, just after your table of contents .

An abbreviation is a shortened version of an existing word, such as Dr. for Doctor. In contrast, an acronym uses the first letter of each word to create a wholly new word, such as UNESCO (an acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

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Abbreviations

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase; abbreviations of phrases are often composed of the first letter of each word of the phrase (i.e., acronym). To maximize clarity, use abbreviations sparingly.

Also consider readers’ familiarity with the abbreviation before using it. Although abbreviations can be useful for long, technical terms in scholarly writing, communication is often garbled rather than clarified if an abbreviation is unfamiliar to readers. In general, use an abbreviation if (a) it is conventional and readers are likely to be more familiar with the abbreviation than with the complete form and (b) considerable space can be saved and cumbersome repetition avoided.

Periods are not used with abbreviations in APA Style (e.g., write “FBI” and “PhD” not “F.B.I.” and “Ph.D.”).

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Definition of assignment

task , duty , job , chore , stint , assignment mean a piece of work to be done.

task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance.

duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.

job applies to a piece of work voluntarily performed; it may sometimes suggest difficulty or importance.

chore implies a minor routine activity necessary for maintaining a household or farm.

stint implies a carefully allotted or measured quantity of assigned work or service.

assignment implies a definite limited task assigned by one in authority.

Examples of assignment in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assignment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

see assign entry 1

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing assignment

• self - assignment

Dictionary Entries Near assignment

Cite this entry.

“Assignment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assignment. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.

Legal Definition

Legal definition of assignment, more from merriam-webster on assignment.

Nglish: Translation of assignment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of assignment for Arabic Speakers

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Demystifying Assignment Abbreviations: A Guide for College Students

Thrive in 4 week travel nurse assignments now, assignment for nursing students: expert tips revealed, introduction.

In the realm of academia, assignments are the cornerstone of learning and evaluation. Often, these assignments come with a slew of abbreviations that can be perplexing to the uninitiated. Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for delivering work that meets academic standards and expectations. This guide is designed to unravel the mystery surrounding assignment abbreviations, empowering college students to approach their coursework with confidence and clarity.

Types of Assignment Abbreviations

Subject-specific abbreviations.

In various disciplines, specific abbreviations are employed to streamline communication. For instance, in mathematics and sciences, terms like ‘eqn’ stand for ‘equation’, while in humanities and social sciences, ‘bib’ signifies ‘bibliography’. Technical and professional courses also have their unique set of abbreviations, such as ‘CAD’ for ‘Computer-Aided Design’ in engineering.

Assignment Format Abbreviations

Different assignment formats come with their own set of abbreviations. For essays and research papers, students may encounter abbreviations like ‘MLA’ (Modern Language Association) or ‘APA’ (American Psychological Association), denoting specific citation styles. In presentation assignments, ‘PPT’ (PowerPoint) and ‘PDF’ (Portable Document Format) are commonly used. Additionally, exams and quizzes may come with unique abbreviations relating to the format or instructions.

Instructional Abbreviations

These abbreviations pertain to guidelines and instructions provided by professors. They encompass citation styles such as ‘MLA’, ‘APA’, or ‘Chicago’, as well as formatting instructions like ‘1-inch margins’ or ‘double-spacing’. Understanding these abbreviations is essential for adhering to the given guidelines and ensuring the assignment meets the professor’s expectations.

Decoding Common Assignment Abbreviations

Abbreviations in writing assignments.

• POV (Point of View): This abbreviation often appears in literature and writing courses, indicating the perspective from which a story or essay is narrated.
• MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association): These are citation styles that dictate how sources should be referenced in academic writing.

Abbreviations in Presentation Assignments

• PPT (PowerPoint): A widely used software for creating and delivering presentations.
• PDF (Portable Document Format): A file format used for presenting documents independent of software or hardware.
• Q&A (Question and Answer): Refers to the segment of a presentation where the audience asks questions and the presenter provides answers.

Abbreviations in Technical Assignments

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Utilized in engineering and architecture, CAD software aids in creating precise and detailed technical drawings.
• SQL (Structured Query Language): A programming language used for managing and querying databases.
• HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The standard markup language for creating web pages.

Understanding these abbreviations enables students to engage with their assignments effectively, ensuring they adhere to the prescribed guidelines and format.

Best Practices for Using Assignment Abbreviations

Contextual awareness.

Maintaining awareness of the context in which abbreviations are used is paramount. For instance, an abbreviation that is standard in one field might not hold the same meaning in another. Always consider the specific requirements of the assignment and the course.

Maintaining Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to using abbreviations. Once an abbreviation is introduced, it should be consistently used throughout the assignment. This reduces confusion and ensures clarity for the reader.

Utilizing Resources for Abbreviation Clarification

When encountering unfamiliar abbreviations, it’s crucial to consult resources for clarification. Course materials, syllabi, and reputable online databases are valuable references for understanding assignment abbreviations.

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Assignment Abbreviations

Misinterpretation of abbreviations.

Misinterpreting abbreviations can lead to misunderstandings and, ultimately, lower grades. Students should be proactive in seeking clarification from professors or academic advisors when faced with unfamiliar abbreviations.

Overreliance on Abbreviations

While abbreviations are useful for brevity, overuse can hinder comprehension. It’s important to strike a balance between using abbreviations for efficiency and providing clear, detailed explanations where needed.

Tools and References for Assignment Abbreviations

Online abbreviation databases.

Online resources like acronymfinder.com and abbreviation.com serve as valuable references for deciphering unfamiliar abbreviations.

Academic Writing Guides

Authoritative writing guides, such as the ‘Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association’ for APA style, offer comprehensive lists of commonly used abbreviations in academic writing.

By demystifying assignment abbreviations, students equip themselves with a powerful tool for effectively engaging with their coursework. Through contextual awareness, consistency, and the use of valuable resources, students can confidently navigate their assignments, ensuring they meet the highest academic standards.

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Meaning of assignment in English

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• It was a jammy assignment - more of a holiday really.
• He took this award-winning photograph while on assignment in the Middle East .
• His two-year assignment to the Mexico office starts in September .
• She first visited Norway on assignment for the winter Olympics ten years ago.
• He fell in love with the area after being there on assignment for National Geographic in the 1950s.
• act as something
• all work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy) idiom
• be at work idiom
• be in work idiom
• housekeeping
• in the line of duty idiom
• join duty idiom

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

assignment | American Dictionary

Assignment | business english, examples of assignment, collocations with assignment.

These are words often used in combination with assignment .

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Translations of assignment

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Word of the Day

a type of large tree that grows in northern areas of the world, or the wood of this tree

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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