A Versus An
Welcome to Grammar Matters. Today’s matter of grammar is "a" versus "an."
My friend Brandon asked me, “Is it a unipolar system or an unipolar system? Halp!” [sic]
The quick rule is that he should be writing “a unipolar system.”
Why? The introduction of “an” into the language is designed to help the speaker enunciate and the listener understand. Try saying “a unusual problem” or “a hour later.” Tripped over your tongue, didn’t you? Mouthful, isn’t it? Sounded awkward, didn’t it?
With that, I also want to mention that the same sound rule applies to acronyms. It doesn’t matter what letter the acronym starts with; it only matters how it’s pronounced. So you would say, “a NASA program,” but “an NSA investigation,” and “a UNA thingamawhatsit.”
And if I never have to hear “an historical event” again, it’ll be too soon!
That wraps up this matter of grammar. Join me in the next episode of Grammar Matters, the podcast that helps you write more effectively.