Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[taiolan]

I know UK(United Kingdom) and GBR(Great British?) are calling the same country, but I couldn't figure out what situation can I use them.
Could anybody help me out?
This question has bothered me a long time. Thanks a lot!!

[pugachevV]

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) consists of Scotland, Wales and England. When you mean to include all those, you can refer to them as "(The) UK".

Great Britain (GBR) consists of the big island which contains Scotland, England and Wales.

[taiolan]

Thank for your answering!

So they actually have the same meaning.

But I also want to know how to use these two words properly.

Ex. GBR in sports game, the players' nation.

Thanks again!

[pugachevV]

When it comes to sport, each Nation has its own team. The teams are called England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland.
You play rugby for England for example.
You just change the sport and the country to fit in with what you want to say.
Generally the abbreviation, UK, is used in much the same way as USA is.
For example:- "In the UK the trains don't run on time." Usually people say Great Britain or Britain, they don't use GB, or GBR that much.

[taiolan]

Thank you, pugachevV, for helping me out!!

I should not only learn a language but also learn its history and culture,
because that part may interest me more!