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A or An?

S

Snowy

Member
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)
 
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.
 
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