Re: "a SQL sever" vs "an SQL server"

[Martin Bosworth <martinhbosworth -at- gmail -dot- com>]

On 9/22/05, arroxaneullman -at- aol -dot- com <arroxaneullman -at- aol -dot- com> wrote:
>
> Hi folks,
>
> This came up today.
>
> In our old documentation the author uses "an" for SQL server. But all
> our people pronounced "SQL" as "sequel." So, one of the engineers came
> to me and said, "this is all wrong, it should be 'a SQL server'!" I
> explained that when pronouncing it as "ess cue ell" you would us "an."
>
> So now this is a big discussion.
>
> Your comments, opinions, and input, please.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Arroxane

Arroxane,

The Microsoft MSTP (3rd Edition) says the following:

"When referring to Structured Query Language, SQL is pronounced
'es-cue-el' and takes the article *an*--for example, 'an SQL
database'. As part of the name Microsoft SQL Server, SQL is pronounced
'sequel.'"

Personally, I don't like the concept of "an SQL" in principle, so if
you can find a way to work around it, go for it.

How many servers are being discussed? Perhaps you can dodge the bullet
by referring to it as "THE SQL Server." :)

Martin

--
Martin H. Bosworth
Technical Writer, Telemedicine Directorate
Walter Reed Army Medical Center (http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/)
Writer/Editor, ConsumerAffairs.com (http://www.consumeraffairs.com)

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