This expression connects an abbreviation with the words it represents.

The idea

Stand for means represent a word or words in an abbreviation. It is used in both everyday and formal English. Keep the noun or pronoun after for: stand for it.

Examples

  • On this map, N stands for north.
  • The label says kg; it stands for kilogram.
  • What does km stand for on the sign?
  • In the timetable, min stands for minutes.
  • The letter E stands for east here.
  • The abbreviation hr stands for hour.

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Watch out

Do not separate stand from for with an object. The abbreviation is the subject; the full form follows for.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. What do these letters stand ___? (for / up)

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    for

    for: the question asks what the letters represent.

  2. Choose the correct option. On the label, the abbreviation ___ for litre. (stands / stand)

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    stands

    stands: the singular abbreviation takes this present form.

  3. Choose the correct option. What ___ the symbol stand for? (does / do)

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    does

    does: the singular subject needs this question auxiliary.

Use it today

Choose an abbreviation on a label and explain its full form.