Using a consistent set of abbreviations and symbols can increase the speed and clarity of your note-taking. This allows you to capture more information with less effort, whether you write by hand or type.
A personal shorthand system is most effective when it combines established conventions with symbols that are intuitive to you.
Why Use Abbreviations
Abbreviations save time, reduce hand strain, and let you capture more ideas in real time. They are especially helpful in lectures, meetings, or study sessions where speed matters.
01
Common Abbreviations
These are standard shortenings of common words and phrases that reduce writing time.
w/ = with
w/o = without
b/c = because
re: = regarding, about
e.g. = for example
ex. = example
ie = that is, in other words
vs = versus, against
etc = and so on
esp = especially
info = information
def = definition
pg = page
ch = chapter
02
Academic Context
etc. = et cetera
nb. = note well (important point)
cf. = compare
def. = definition
eqn. = equation
03
Personal Note-Making
imp. = important
info = information
asap = as soon as possible
abt. = about
04
Status and Emphasis Symbols
Use simple marks to categorise or highlight information for later review.
↑ = increase, rise, growth
↓ = decrease, fall, reduction
? = question, point of uncertainty, need to verify
! = important point, key concept
* = priority item, to-do, special emphasis
Δ = change, transformation
05
Logic and Relationship Symbols
Symbols can replace words to show connections between concepts, saving space and improving scannability.
→ = leads to, causes, results in
← = comes from, is caused by
↔ = bidirectional relationship, in exchange for
= = is the same as, equals
≠ = is not the same as, does not equal
> = greater than, more than, better than
< = less than, fewer than
≈ = approximately, about
∴ = therefore
∵ = since, because
+ or & = and, also, in addition to
Tips for Note-Taking Abbreviations
Use symbols (→, ↑, ↓) as much as words.
Stick to short forms you already know, otherwise your notes can become confusing.
Keep a small list of your personal shortcuts at the start of your notebook for quick reference.
Avoid overusing abbreviations that make sentences difficult to read later. Balance speed with clarity.
