Is it "a" RO/DI or "an" RO/DI?

[D3DPrintedThingz]

A specific point of a collection of data is technically a "datum" (singular). "Data", as @jabberwock stated, is the plural form of "datum".

Now that is something new to me. I am going to see how many times I can use “a datum” in conversation this week.

 

[trvrstnk4837]

For me the vowel/consonant rule is there because of the annunciation

I pronounce “RO” as are-oh so I say an saying a RO-DI filter doesn’t feel right

can’t we just call it a filter jawn and cut out all the drama lol

 

[JoshH]

Now that is something new to me. I am going to see how many times I can use “a datum” in conversation this week.

You just like stirring up trouble, don't you?

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

You just like stirring up trouble, don't you?

I’ve got to be honest it makes me very happy to see this thread still kickin’

 

[Dburr1014]

a RO/DI

RO/DI starts with an R, so you use "a"
if it started with a vowel, you would use "an"

That's always the rule I use.

a revolver
an encyclopedia
a nun
an adventure

Nailed it!

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

Nailed it!

But but but https://www.wordexample.com/list/words-beginning-vowel-no-an

 

[Dburr1014]

But but but https://www.wordexample.com/list/words-beginning-vowel-no-an

But... What? I didn't see reverse on the list.

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

But... What? I didn't see reverse on the list.

Where did the word reverse come the spotlight? I am not keeping up fast enough ! Lol

 

[bblumberg]

Use “a” before words that start with a consonant sound and “an” before words that start with a vowel sound.

Other letters can also be pronounced either way. Just remember it is the sound that governs whether you use “a” or “an,” not the actual first letter of the word.

This. See the following for further explanation:

The Rule is Not "A" Before Consonants and "An" Before Vowels (Grammar Rules)

Do you put "a" before consonants and "an" before vowels? Many people get this rule wrong, including some of the most grammatically sound people I know. The real rule is this.

www.writersdigest.com

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

When to use each, and when to say 'either one works'

www.merriam-webster.com

A vs. An: Should I Use A or An? - The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

Both a and an are indefinite articles, which are words that refer to a person or a thing that is not identified or specified.

www.grammarbook.com

"A" vs. "An" - When to Use

This Grammar.com article is about "A" vs. "An" - When to Use — enjoy your reading!

www.grammar.com

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

This. See the following for further explanation:

The Rule is Not "A" Before Consonants and "An" Before Vowels (Grammar Rules)

Do you put "a" before consonants and "an" before vowels? Many people get this rule wrong, including some of the most grammatically sound people I know. The real rule is this.

www.writersdigest.com

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

When to use each, and when to say 'either one works'

www.merriam-webster.com

A vs. An: Should I Use A or An? - The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

Both a and an are indefinite articles, which are words that refer to a person or a thing that is not identified or specified.

www.grammarbook.com

"A" vs. "An" - When to Use

This Grammar.com article is about "A" vs. "An" - When to Use — enjoy your reading!

www.grammar.com

Oh no just wait until you read the bit about “historic” then it really gets cloudy

 

[jabberwock]

But but but https://www.wordexample.com/list/words-beginning-vowel-no-an

Well I'll be... Learned something new today. Everyday is a school day! Thanks for that.

 

[jabberwock]

Not to dig this up again and continue a "finished" discussion, but did you read the thread or just share your opinion?
I would argue strongly that, independent of my feelings, the rules are quite clear on when it would be "an" RO/DI system and "a" RO/DI system (both are correct depending on how the acronym is considered, individual letters vs. combined "word".)
You are correct about data, and the improper grammar case is commonly used in spoken language in America today.

Sorry to bring up discussion again on a topic that probably bores or annoys most people, but I do like to know the rules when possible. This discussion probably gimbles into people's heads, causing them to gyre about!

I did read the thread. I am struggling with how both are correct here. Reverse, R, System are all phonetically begun with a consonant. Can you elaborate please?

 

[jabberwock]

Now that is something new to me. I am going to see how many times I can use “a datum” in conversation this week.

I used datum a couple times today, as in "which vertical datum are you using?"

A bigger challenge would be to use the plural correctly all the time. Such as "The data support..." as opposed to "The data supports..."

Try counting the amount of times you hear it used incorrectly.

 

[Dan_P]

a RO/DI

RO/DI starts with an R, so you use "a"
if it started with a vowel, you would use "an"

That's always the rule I use.

a revolver
an encyclopedia
a nun
an adventure

Then your rule would indicate “an R” is correct. Not “a R”. The reason? Pronouncing “R” sounds roughly like “ah-er”, hence a soft sound like a vowel, not hard one like a consonant.

An RO/DI is the answer.

 

[kronos571]

My father, the well-published professor of reading, says it doesn’t really matter as long as the person reading/hearing it knows what you’re talking about. I’m inclined to agree.

So say “a” or “an”. It’s fine.

But please don’t call it a “road-ie” in front of me IRL. Because then I might not know what, precisely, you’re trying to say or proposition me with

 

[jabberwock]

Then your rule would indicate “an R” is correct. Not “a R”. The reason? Pronouncing “R” sounds roughly like “ah-er”, hence a soft sound like a vowel, not hard one like a consonant.

An RO/DI is the answer.

Unless I see RODI and I say "reverse osmosis..."

 

[Spare time]

It's whatever you want it to be. Language is made to communicate a message, and the message gets across either way. Despite what many high school English teachers think, there really are no set in stone rules of language.

 

[Biglew11]

Anyone calls it a roadie around me, I'll think you're talking bands and touring, or something.

 

[KrisReef]

This thread is on a ROll,
or on an A whole?
I'm very confused now.

 

[Dburr1014]

Where did the word reverse come the spotlight? I am not keeping up fast enough ! Lol

Reverse osmosis dionised
Ro/di is just short hand writing.
Idk, IMHO.