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Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Using "a" versus "an"

I am having a bit of an argument with one of my co-workers over when it's proper to use "a" versus "an".

Would the rules change when resorting to the use of an acronym?

Acronym as in RMA for Returned Material Authorization.Which would be correct?

When generating a RMA you must use the proper form.

When generating an RMA you must use the proper form.

I admit "an" does sound better, however, I don't know which is proper.

Thank you, DJ
  

Top answer

When generating an RMA you must use the proper form . As you say, it is how it sounds , DJ. The article is determined by the initial sound of the next word.

— Mister Micawber

  • When generating an RMA you must use the proper form .
  • As you say, it is how it sounds , DJ.
  • The article is determined by the initial sound of the next word.
  • an RMA a NATO representative an EU nation a UFO sighting a UNICEF greeting card
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4 Answers
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When generating an RMA you must use the proper form.

As you say, it is how it sounds, DJ. The article is determined by the initial sound of the next word.

an RMA
a NATO representative
an EU nation
a UFO sighting
a UNICEF greeting card
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Thank you, Mr. M.

Please tell me which vowel sound is made by the next word?

an RMA
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0 the pronunciation of RMA is something like "arimay," so you use an "an" because it sounds like it starts with the vowel sound a. 0-
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