use of "a" versus "an"

I can't think of any reason that any newspaper would write "An North Carolina man." It's utterly wrong.

Anonymousin our local newspaper they use the word "an" instead of "a" . . . . . For example "An North Carolina man was arrested yesterday." INSTEAD OF "A North Carolina man was arrested yesterday."

Perhaps they've outsourced the editing duties to a foreign country to save money.
CJ

Dear there!

on the Anonymous question showing below.

"this is a question I've been wanting to ask someone for the last several years and is absolutely driving me crazy !!"

I am wondering that he/she must use "I have wanted to " not "I've been wanting"

Am I wrong?

outsourcing? good idea, I'll call the newspaper and try to get an answer :-)

also re: last post . . . . not sure what that person is asking . . . . Is "I've been wanting to ask . . .. " not correct?

thanks and have a great day!

I've been wanting to ask -- this is fine. It shows the desire to ask has been on-going for a while.

I have wanted to ask -- this is fine, too. I'm glad we'll have a chance to meet the CEO. I have wanted to ask him a question about our new business philosophy since it was first rolled out.I'm so glad to finally visit Alaska. I have wanted to see it for a long time.

*I have

Hi Geek!

"I have want to ask" was my mistake when I write on the subject so I rewrite "I have wanted to ask."

I am still thinking that "I have wanted to ask..." is correct rather than "I have been wanting to ask....."
I think that some verbs (know,want) are not likely used in the continuous tense.

Am I still wrong?

Please see what I wrote:

Grammar Geek
I've been wanting to ask -- this is fine. It shows the desire to ask has been on-going for a while.

I have wanted to ask -- this is fine, too.

With the continuous form, this question has been more "front of mind" (something she thinks about) for an ongoing period.

Hi Geek!

the "front of mind" gives me clear understanding for the I've been wanting to ask..."..

Thank you.