NPO

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "NPO" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical contexts to indicate "nothing by mouth," referring to a patient who should not eat or drink anything. Example: "The doctor ordered the patient to be NPO after midnight before the surgery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Certification will be done by municipal authorities rather than the national tax agency, which tends to see every NPO as a net loss to the country's coffers.

The Economist

In addition Christine was also Director of the Pediatric Allergy Clinic at Westchester County Medical Center, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Allergy and Immunology at New York Medical College and Director at the Union Community Health Center in Bronx, NY (NPO).

The New York Times

Being an NPO in the current climate is by no means easy, but at least it gives you the chance to plan.

The Guardian

But Gecko weren't wasn't always an NPO, and they made the commitment to build an audience in Edinburgh long before they were funded.

The Guardian

UK-wide, there have been other winners, including the Point in Eastleigh who are awarded NPO status.

The Guardian

This article was amended on 3 July 2014 because an earlier version said Hall for Cornwall had lost its NPO funding in the recent NPO funding process.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

So are they amateurs when they are performing on home ground in Warwick and suddenly professionals when they are performing at NPO-funded buildings such as Home in Manchester or Battersea Arts Centre, London, as part of A Nation's Theatre?

The Guardian

Is the NPO-funded Slung Low a professional company when it makes White Whale with a professional cast and creatives – and not one when it works with Sheffield People's Theatre to make Camelot: Shining City?

The Guardian

Officials tend to regard NPOs as meddlesome amateurs.In this section India's Guangdong The untouchables Charity at home More than just a game Monsoon of their discontent Diplomatic slush More cheating, or else! ReprintsSo, even though public attitudes are changing, the law and formal attitudes tend to lag.

The Economist

And NPOs must spend 70% of their donations over five years, meaning they cannot build up large foundations.

The Economist

Around 480,000 volunteers from non-profit organisations (NPOs as they are known) streamed into the Tohoku region.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the initialism "NPO", ensure the context is clear. If there's a possibility of ambiguity, especially in medical settings, it's best to spell out the full term: non-profit organization or nil per os.

Common error

Avoid using "NPO" without context, as it can easily be confused with other initialisms. Always clarify whether you mean a non-profit organization or are referring to medical instructions (nil per os).

Linguistic Context

The initialism "NPO" primarily functions as a noun, representing either a "non-profit organization" or, in medical contexts, the phrase "nil per os" (nothing by mouth). The meaning of "NPO" is determined by the context in which it is used, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the initialism "NPO" can refer to either a "non-profit organization" or "nil per os" (nothing by mouth). Usage is considered correct, as stated by Ludwig, but context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. When referring to the former, it’s common in business and news contexts, whereas the latter is medical. As such, it's important to provide the full term initially and then use "NPO" for brevity. If there's any potential for misinterpretation, spelling out the full term is always the safest option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Non-profit organization

This is the expanded form of the initialism "NPO", providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Not-for-profit organization

This is a synonymous term for "non-profit organization", differing only in phrasing.

Nil per os

This is the medical meaning of the initialism "NPO", which means nothing by mouth, referring to a patient who should not eat or drink anything.

Charitable organization

This refers to an organization established for charitable purposes, a common function of NPOs.

Third sector organization

This is a broader term encompassing non-governmental and non-profit entities.

Voluntary organization

This highlights the voluntary nature of many NPOs.

NGO (Non-governmental organization)

This is another abbreviation for an entity that operates independently from the government to accomplish a social mission.

Philanthropic institution

This is a more formal term emphasizing the philanthropic activities of the organization.

Public benefit corporation

This is a type of for-profit corporate entity whose purpose includes a public benefit.

Social enterprise

This refers to a business with primarily social objectives whose surpluses are reinvested for that purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "NPO" in a sentence?

Use "NPO" when referring to a non-profit organization after you have already defined it, for example: "The organization was registered as an "NPO" to receive tax-deductible donations." You can also use "NPO" in medical contexts to mean 'nothing by mouth' after defining the term.

What are some alternatives to "NPO"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "NPO" include "non-profit organization", "not-for-profit organization", or, in a medical setting, "nil per os" (nothing by mouth).

When is it appropriate to use the abbreviation "NPO"?

It's appropriate to use "NPO" after you've clearly defined it within the text. Without prior context, the reader may not know if you're referring to a non-profit or using the medical abbreviation.

What's the difference between an "NPO" and an NGO?

While both are non-governmental entities, "NPOs" are generally focused on non-profit activities, whereas NGOs may encompass a broader range of activities, including advocacy and international development.