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MUSCOVITE Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

captcha

Hi,

Is it a countable noun?

Which version looks more natural to you?

(a) We have to use a captcha at registration.
(b) We have to use captcha at registration.

Based on my google search results, people tend to omit the indefinite article before 'captcha'.... but I'd like to know an expert's opinion.

Thank you!

mus-te
  

Top answer

I don't think it is particularly standardized, but (a) sounds more natural. I would take (a) to mean you use the images themselves as a security measure to register, while I would take (b) to mean that you use the software that generates the images.

— Bw

  • I don't think it is particularly standardized, but (a) sounds more natural.
  • I would take (a) to mean you use the images themselves as a security measure to register, while I would take (b) to mean that you use the software that generates the images.
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6 Answers
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I don't think it is particularly standardized, but (a) sounds more natural.

I would take (a) to mean you use the images themselves as a security measure to register, while I would take (b) to mean that you use the software that generates the images.
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bwI would take (a) to mean you use the images themselves as a security measure to register, while I would take (b) to mean that you use the software that generates the images
This 'image vs sw' usage nuance is very important to know! I would never guess it myself ....Appreciate your expert help
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MUSCOVITEWhich version looks more natural to you?
(a)

Wikipedia uses it consistently as a countable noun.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAPTCHA

CJ
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Did you also notice that it's an acronym with all capitals? CAPTCHA, not captcha.

I don't know how standard that is, so I can't help you there.

CJ
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CalifJimDid you also notice that it's an acronym with all capitals? CAPTCHA, not captcha.
OK. I will keep it in mind. Thanks!
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