How to use a/an before an abbreviation?
Hello, I have a question related to the use of the indefinite articles "a" and "an" before a noun.

I know that the rule goes as: if the initial sound is that of a vowel, then we use "an" before the word; but if the initial sound is that of a consonant, then we use "a" before the word. My question concerns the application of such a principle for abbreviations!

For example, imagine we are talking about movies. Then, we would write "a Romance Movie". Now, suppose we want to abbreviate Romance Movie as "RM".

The question is: should we write
(i) "a RM"? since RM is a shortcut for Romance Movie, and we write "a Romance Movie"; or
(ii) "an RM"? since we actually read it as [are'eme] (i.e., the sound of "r" followed by that of "m")?

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Thank you
Luiz da Silva

Question

How to use a/an before an abbreviation?
Hello, I have a question related to the use of the indefinite articles "a" and "an" before a noun.

I know that the rule goes as: if the initial sound is that of a vowel, then we use "an" before the word; but if the initial sound is that of a consonant, then we use "a"  before the word. My question concerns the application of such a principle for abbreviations!

For example, imagine we are talking about movies. Then, we would write "a Romance Movie". Now, suppose we want to abbreviate Romance Movie as "RM".

The question is: should we write 
(i) "a RM"? since RM is a shortcut for Romance Movie, and we write "a Romance Movie"; or
(ii) "an RM"? since we actually read it as [are'eme] (i.e., the sound of "r" followed by that of "m")?

--
Thank you
Luiz da Silva

Answer

If it helps, native English speakers have trouble with that exact question some times :).

But I would tend toward choice ii and say  "an RRM," but "a romantic robot movie" if I were to say the whole phrase.

Answer

Hi Luiz,

Your understanding of articles is obviously very good from your explanation. The principle used with abbreviations is the second you suggested (an RM); you use the article that fits the letter, not the full word.
It is true that 'a' Romantic Movie would be correct, but you must change the article to suit the abbreviation, if necessary.

I do hope this helps,
Jules

Answer

I would say "an RM" only because if you say "a RM" it doesn't sound right. 
"We are going to watch an RM tonight" and "we are going to watch a romantic movie tonight". 
I'm just answering your question they way that I would say it but I hope it helps :)

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