How do you determine a or an?

Here’s the secret to making the rule work: The rule applies to the sound of the letter beginning the word, not just the letter itself. The way we say the word will determine whether or not we use a or an. If the word begins with a vowel sound, you must use an. If it begins with a consonant sound, you must use a.

WHEN TO USE A vs An with acronyms?

When the indefinite article is used before an acronym, the choice of form (a or an) depends on pronunciation, not on spelling; in other words, use a if the acronym begins with a consonant sound, and an if it begins with a vowel sound: a NATO decision (a before the consonant sound n)

How do you use a and an examples?

Using “An” and “A” The sound of a word’s first letter determines whether to use “an” or “a.” If the word starts with a vowel sound, you should use “an.” If it starts with a consonant sound, you should use “a.” For example: Buy a house in an hour.

Is MA a vowel?

“M.A.” is pronounced “emm aye”, so it’s a vowel sound.

How do you refer to a word in a sentence?

Change the expression of the word to indicate that you refer to the word, e.g. by change of type (italics, small caps, etc.) or by enclosing it in some symbols (quotation marks). Explicitly state that you refer to the word, e.g. “The word Abjure is a good word.” ‘Abjure’ is a good word.

How do you refer to a word instead of its meaning?

When writing, I sometimes want to refer to a word, as opposed to its meaning. For example: when correcting someone’s grammar or semantics ( there versus their ), or when pointing out exemplary vocabulary. On websites like this, I can simply italicize the word in question. Abjure is a good word.

What does it mean to refer something to someone?

v. -ferred, -fer•ring. v.t. 1. to direct to a person, place, etc., for information or anything required. 2. to direct the attention of: The asterisk refers the reader to a footnote. 3. to submit for decision, information, etc.: to refer a dispute to arbitration. 4. to assign to a class, period, etc.; classify.

What does it mean to refer to a book?

To speak or write about something briefly or incidentally; make reference: referred during our conversation to several books he was reading. 3. To turn one’s attention, as in seeking information: refer to a dictionary.