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tchrist ♦
tchrist ♦
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I am using abbreviations for well-known phrases: e.g., "Nash equilibrium" becomes NE and "neural networks" becomes NN. Should I use "an NN" or "a NN"? Does it matter whether a reader "unfolds" the abbreviation or not when reading? That is, I think it is often the case that NE is read "Nash equilibrium", then it seems appropriate to use "a NE".

Thanks!

I am using abbreviations for well-known phrases: e.g., "Nash equilibrium" becomes NE and "neural networks" becomes NN. Should I use "an NN" or "a NN"? Does it matter whether a reader "unfolds" the abbreviation or not when reading? That is, I think it is often the case that NE is read "Nash equilibrium", then it seems appropriate to use "a NE".

Thanks!

I am using abbreviations for well-known phrases: e.g., "Nash equilibrium" becomes NE and "neural networks" becomes NN. Should I use "an NN" or "a NN"? Does it matter whether a reader "unfolds" the abbreviation or not when reading? That is, I think it is often the case that NE is read "Nash equilibrium", then it seems appropriate to use "a NE".

3
duplicates list edited from When should I use "a" vs "an"? to When should I use "a" vs "an"?, Do you use "a" or "an" before acronyms / initialisms?, "An" or "A" with acronyms which sound like they start with a vowel? [duplicate], "A" vs. "An" in writing vs. pronunciation
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tchrist ♦
tchrist ♦
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I changed the title to reflect the question: this is not about 'a' vs 'an' in general rather in the specific case of before abbreviations, where it's not clear whether the abbreviation is "unfolded" when read out loud.
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Guy
Guy
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Should it be 'an' or 'a' in front of an abbreviation?

Post Closed as "Duplicate" by tchrist♦
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Guy
Guy
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Should it be 'an' or 'a'?

I am using abbreviations for well-known phrases: e.g., "Nash equilibrium" becomes NE and "neural networks" becomes NN. Should I use "an NN" or "a NN"? Does it matter whether a reader "unfolds" the abbreviation or not when reading? That is, I think it is often the case that NE is read "Nash equilibrium", then it seems appropriate to use "a NE".

Thanks!