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Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Vocabulary
Abbreviated Words
Hi,
I know that when an abbreviated word comes, sometimes people use "an" as an article; like they say:
"I've done an M.B.A.".
But sometimes I've seen others not following this & sticking with addressing these kind of words with the article "a".
Could anyone tell me please why is it so and what should I be sticking to?
Thanks.
I know that when an abbreviated word comes, sometimes people use "an" as an article; like they say:
"I've done an M.B.A.".
But sometimes I've seen others not following this & sticking with addressing these kind of words with the article "a".
Could anyone tell me please why is it so and what should I be sticking to?
Thanks.
Top answer
It is because the rule is that you use an when it is followed by a vowel sound , not necessarily a vowel. MBA is pronounced em bee ay - so an is followed by an e sound.
- It is because the rule is that you use an when it is followed by a vowel sound , not necessarily a vowel.
- MBA is pronounced em bee ay - so an is followed by an e sound.
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7 Answers
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It is because the rule is that you use an when it is followed by a vowel sound, not necessarily a vowel.
MBA is pronounced em bee ay - so an is followed by an e sound.
MBA is pronounced em bee ay - so an is followed by an e sound.
00
Hey,
I'm aware of the rule that when a word sounds like a vowel; it is preceeded with "an". But my question was actually different. Because I've read some books by very good english authors who follow this kind of norm of addressing the abbreviated words with "an" and not "a".
Like a very good english author had written "He sent me an SMS".
I'm aware of the rule that when a word sounds like a vowel; it is preceeded with "an". But my question was actually different. Because I've read some books by very good english authors who follow this kind of norm of addressing the abbreviated words with "an" and not "a".
Like a very good english author had written "He sent me an SMS".
00
Precisely because when you say these abbreviations, the first sound of the first letter is a vowel SOUND, even though it is not a vowel.
SMS - ess em ess . You are not saying SSS MMM SSS you are saying ess em ess. Imagine you are talking about an essay. AN essay. the sounds are the same as the start of AN SMS - an ess em es. so it takes 'an' and not 'a'. Same as the previous example.
SMS - ess em ess . You are not saying SSS MMM SSS you are saying ess em ess. Imagine you are talking about an essay. AN essay. the sounds are the same as the start of AN SMS - an ess em es. so it takes 'an' and not 'a'. Same as the previous example.
00
Thanks, I've understood the logic behind it.
So, finally, is it okay if I used "an" to address all kinds of abbreviations?
So, finally, is it okay if I used "an" to address all kinds of abbreviations?
00
Hi,
So, finally, is it okay if I used "an" to address all kinds of abbreviations?
No, use 'an' only for those that start with a 'vowel sound' when you say them.
eg A CIA operation. A NATO plan.
These examples do not start with a vowel sound if you speak them aloud.
Best wishes, Clive
So, finally, is it okay if I used "an" to address all kinds of abbreviations?
No, use 'an' only for those that start with a 'vowel sound' when you say them.
eg A CIA operation. A NATO plan.
These examples do not start with a vowel sound if you speak them aloud.
Best wishes, Clive
00
No, you can't automatically put "an" in front of any abbreviation. You have to observe the vowel sound rule when placing either "an" or "a" before an abbreviation.
For example, a J.D (Juris Doctor) and not an J.D
I am working for a Ph.D degree, and not an Ph.D degree.
He is a UNICEF adviser and not
For example, a J.D (Juris Doctor) and not an J.D
I am working for a Ph.D degree, and not an Ph.D degree.
He is a UNICEF adviser and not
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