Articles

graph LR; A{Pronounced like a word?} A -->|Yes| B[No article] A -->|No| C{Article in original?} C -->|Yes| D[Use the article] C -->|No| B

When should you use the or a/an with an acronym?

  • Is the acronym pronounced like word (e.g., NASA, EPEA, PSAR) as opposed to pronounced as individual letters (e.g., AER, PLA, DDS)?

    • If so, do not use an article.

    • If not, ask yourself, would I use the article if the acronym were written out in full?

      • If so, then go ahead and use the article.

      • If not, then do not use an article.

Contact the AER.

Contact the AGS.

But: Contact AEP.

Refer to EPEA.

But: Refer to the PLA.