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Latest post Tue, Dec 2 2008 6:12 PM by Grammar Geek. 4 replies.
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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?
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.

 

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006
Pennsylvania, USA
Veteran Member 18,773
Barbara, who answers in American English.
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!
Grammar Geek  +  602441 Tue, 02 Dec 08 06:12 PM

You're welcome.

(By the way, I'm in Chester County.)

Grammar Geek  +  602442 Tue, 02 Dec 08 06:12 PM

You're welcome.

(By the way, I'm in Chester County.)

XING

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