TJH126  +  602338 Tue, 02 Dec 08 03:31 PM I am having a problem that perhaps exists most prominently in my own head. But seemingly, I have noticed that "an" has started to be used frequently before words beginning with "L." Such as let's say the acronym "LED" (light emitting diodes) i.e., "I would like to purchase an LED kit for my car." That is not correct, is it? TJH126 Joined on Tue, Dec 2 2008 New Member 02

	Grammar Geek  +  602365 Tue, 02 Dec 08 03:56 PM Hi TJH, and welcome to English Forums. The problem you're having is that "LED" is not a word, but an abbreviation, and is pronounced "ell-ee-dee." Because the pronunciation starts with a vowel sound (ell), you use "an" instead of "a." Abbreviations will use "an" if they start with F, H, L, M, N, R, S, or X, as well as with the vowels. An FBI agent came to my house asking about you. We have an MOU with the purchasers. You'll need an X-ray.   Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Veteran Member 19,651 Barbara, who answers in American English. My housekeeping skills attest to the truth of the second law of thermodynamics: Left to themselves, things get more and more random! Abbreviations, Vowels, Pronunciation

	TJH126  +  602393 Tue, 02 Dec 08 04:34 PM Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! Language rules come up, change, morph, go back to normal, etc. It is just so confusing to me sometimes- and I'm a writer! You rule! TJH126

	Grammar Geek  +  602441 Tue, 02 Dec 08 06:12 PM You're welcome. (By the way, I'm in Chester County.) Grammar Geek

	Grammar Geek  +  602442 Tue, 02 Dec 08 06:12 PM You're welcome. (By the way, I'm in Chester County.) Grammar Geek