I have seen instances of an NCD (no claims discount) being written? Is this correct? I thought it was a NCD because n isn't a vowel, but I keep seeing an NCD. Which is correct?
The use of a or an does not depend on the whether it is followed by a vowel or consonant. It depends on the sound, to make it easier when speaking. i.e. an hour is correct, since the h is silent. Using this rule I would argue for: 1) a no claims discount and; 2) an NCD (i.e. an EN CEE DEE - I cannot write in phonetics)
See here: http://www.gpuss.co.uk/english_usage/a_or_an.htm and here: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/a-versus-an.aspx for more information and examples.
I can think of two issues. 1. This is a communication exam where quite often it is inappropriate to use abbreviations. 2. You can do as in your query No claims discount (NCD). I think in this case a is better. But can you perhaps avoid the issue altogether and use 'the' once you've introduced the concept? If you have any doubt eg about spelling or grammar I would always recommend finding an alternative with which you are confident. If you can't find one, then hopefully the 1 mark you drop won't be the difference between pass/fail.
