Must-know abbreviations for international communication

A quick glossary for writing to your international partners

 

When emailing with international partners, you should find the right balance between speed and clarity. English abbreviations may seem excellent time-savers. But, they work only when appropriate and clear.

Here are some common ones for business correspondence, with the relevant context:

• ASAP – as soon as possible: use this only if you really need to.
• TBD – to be decided: the point still needs to be discussed, good for schedules or plans.
• FYI – for your information: this is just to let you know, you don’t need to reply.
• TBC – to be confirmed: the point requires your confirmation.
• COB/EOD – close of business / end of day: use this with regard to time zones.
• IMO – in my opinion: suitable for informal interactions.

What to avoid in formal emails:

• Slang (BTW, LOL, BRB): this is for casual chats rather than business conversations.
• Informal jargon (ping me, shoot me an email): may lack respect or be unclear to non-native speakers.
• Overloading a sentence with abbreviations: impedes readability.

If you want to sound professional yet friendly:

• Explain the abbreviations you use.
• Mind cultural differences: the phrase that feels clear and concise to you might sound cold or rude to someone else.
• For a favorable international communication, respect your partner’s time and context. Abbreviations can make your discussion more quick and informative, but make sure you use them wisely.