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.

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".

             So, why was it that way?

Thanks.

Thanks, I've understood the logic behind it.

            So, finally, is it okay if I used "an" to address all kinds of abbreviations?

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 an UNICEF adviser since "U" is pronounced as YOU, a non-vowel sound.