Why say ''an SQL''

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Why say ''an SQL''

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ChrisMoix-87856 SSCertifiable Points: 7288 More actions · Answer 1

Yikes, didn't mean to start a huge discussion. Just to add more fuel to the fire, here's a guideline I found online:

The Chicago Manual of Style (sec. 14.15, p. 464) says:

Uncertainty often arises concerning the proper choice of the indefinite article before an acronym. A workable solution may be based on the way such an abbreviation is read. The assumption is that an acronym is read either as a series of letters or as a neologism, or coined word. Rarely is the acronym read as though all of the words were spelled out. If, as is usually the case, the acronym is treated as a series of letters, the choice of the article depends on the pronunciation of the first letter. (_an_ NAACP position vs. _a_ TVA power station)

If the acronym is widely pronounced as though it were a word, the article is determined by the pronunciation of the word. (_a_ LOOM meeting vs. _an_ LCD panel)

So, it you go by Ansi standards, AN SQL. If you go by US Gov't standards, A SQL.

'The rule is that ISO Standards spell out letters and pronounce names. US Government standards pronounce everything -- thus a PSRO (Phycians Standards Review Organization) is a "Piss Row"; I am not making that up.'

or did I say that backwards?

Brian Laws SSCommitted Points: 1556 More actions · Answer 2

This is exactly right. When you say "ess-que-el", you are beginning with a vowel sound. When you say "sequel", you are beginning with a consonant sound. English language/grammer dictates (with exceptions, of course) that "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound and "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. It's a matter of sound, not the actual letter (whether or not it's a vowel). It's similar to "herb". If you pronounce the h, then you use "a". But if you pronounce it like "erb", then you use "an" because it's a vowel sound.

I used to be an editor before I weasled my way into the IT department. ;->

But I definitely like using "sequel". I may only use "es-que-el" if I'm talking with someone who may not know what I'm talking about.

sushila SSC-Dedicated Points: 35293 More actions · Answer 3

Instead of considering it as fuel I think I'll see it as the "last word" that'll put out this fire....I agree entirely with that manual!

Brian...not to start another discussion (absolutely NOT) - but it's only in America that they say "erb" for "herb"...

Remi - you're right - come to think of it, I guess it IS easy to say - only sounds like someone's making funny sounds is all..

**ASCII stupid question, get a stupid ANSI !!!**

Ninja's_RGR'us SSC Guru Points: 294069 More actions · Answer 4

Ninja's_RGR'us

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Points: 294069

June 3, 2005 at 9:57 am

#562965

Or forgetting to say all the words .

Frank Kalis SSC Guru Points: 111183 More actions · Answer 5

http://www.sqlservercentral.com/columnists/fkalis/abriefhistoryofsql.asp

I like to think it is S-Q-L

--
Frank Kalis
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Webmaster: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs
My blog: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs/frankkalis/[/url]

Frank Kalis SSC Guru Points: 111183 More actions · Answer 6

Addendum: Got yesterday a book by CJ Date on my desk to review. It backs up, of course, what Joe already said. Because the correct pronounciation is Ess-Cue-El you say "An SQL" rather than "A SQL".

Apart from this, if you ask me, I think it's moot.

--
Frank Kalis
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Webmaster: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs
My blog: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs/frankkalis/[/url]

Ninja's_RGR'us SSC Guru Points: 294069 More actions · Answer 7

Moo point often take a lot of space on this board .

Frank Kalis SSC Guru Points: 111183 More actions · Answer 8

Even more since you've entered...

--
Frank Kalis
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Webmaster: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs
My blog: http://www.insidesql.org/blogs/frankkalis/[/url]

Ninja's_RGR'us SSC Guru Points: 294069 More actions · Answer 9

I was here since the first post. I just didn't reply untill now cause I had nothing to say. We just say s-q-l here, but it's in french, therefore irrelevant to this thread.

ChrisMoix-87856 SSCertifiable Points: 7288 More actions · Answer 10

I can't really see arguing with someone who was/is on the ANSI comitee - I was just asking about one of those interesting things about English and uncovered some more info about SEQUEL vs. SQL, etc. Interesting...

Edward W. Stanley SSCertifiable Points: 6482 More actions · Answer 11

Edward W. Stanley

SSCertifiable

Points: 6482

June 9, 2005 at 7:29 am

#564201

toe mate oh

toe mah toe

????

Ninja's_RGR'us SSC Guru Points: 294069 More actions · Answer 12

Ninja's_RGR'us

SSC Guru

Points: 294069

June 9, 2005 at 7:35 am

#564204

I don't know, but I like eating 'em. .

Wayne West SSC-Insane Points: 22586 More actions · Answer 13

And then for us multi-talented SQL and Cisco guys, you have routers. Or if you're in Canadia, "rooters." I'm never sure if I'm driving a route or a root. Which, I guess, is an argument for my "Got Root?" tshirt.

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