TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:How would you re: a/an SQL From:Barb Miller <millerb -at- TCPLINK -dot- NREL -dot- GOV> Date:Wed, 22 Jun 1994 07:58:42 MST
Technically, an acronym is pronouncable, e.g., scuba, laser, HUD.
Strings of letters not pronouncable are called initialisms.
(Trust me, we're the government and we're really into acronyms
and initialisms!)
I would suggest if SQL is often pronounced "sequel," you might
state that in parentheses the first time the acronym is mentioned
or in a list of terms, if you have one.
"The figure below shows a SQL (pronounced sequel) query."
That way you take care of novices who might not know the standard
pronounciation.
By the way, thanks for all the responses to my between/among
dilemma.
Barb Miller
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Golden, Colorado