A vs. An Before an Acronym: Should It Be a LGBTQ or an LGBTQ?

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I received a question several years ago about using “a” vs “an” before an acronym. Most native English speakers understand the “a” vs. “an” difference when the “a” or the “an” comes before a full word. However, it can be fuzzy when the “a” or “an” comes before an acronym. Here’s a good example to help you remember.

Here’s a question from a reader asking which is correct: a LGBTQ or an LGBTQ

OK, Copy Bitch, I’ve got one for you: Is it proper to use “a” or “an” before the acronym LGBTQ? I am a firm believer that “an” should only be used before vowels, so “a” should be used prior to LGBTQ, right?  But everywhere I look, people are writing “an LGBTQ.” What say you?

–Rob F, NYC

For once, the masses are right, Rob.

So saying, for example, “an LGBTQ advocate” would be correct. It’s the vowel or consonant sound that’s critical when making this call, not necessarily what the actual letter is. So, because you’d say “el” for the letter “L” (which is a vowel sound), “an” is appropriate.

  • EXAMPLE: Let’s post an LGBTQ+ message on our website during Pride Month.

Should it be “a urologist” or “an urologist”?

I’ve been encountering this issue lately with the words “urogynecologist” and “urologist.” (I do copywriting work for a urology practice.) Those words don’t use a vowel sound like you hear in the word “undercoat.” They use more of a “y” sound: Yoorologist. The below example demonstrates the difference in how you’d use “a” vs “an” in this case.

  • EXAMPLE: I bought an undercoat today. But now I need to find a urologist.

Hope this helps!

By the way, here are the go-to writing and editing resources that I use and recommend.

Note: I use affiliate links for some of them. If you use one of the links to buy something, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission. I only recommend stuff that I believe in.

Proofreading Strategies: 4 Ways to Do It Online

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Dear Copy Bitch: My eyes hurt! I stare at my computer all day and make mistakes left and right–stupid mistakes, too. Do you have any tips for proofreading on a computer monitor?

–Grumpy Proofreader

Answer: Yes, Grumpy, never fear! The Copy Bitch feels your pain and has proofreading strategies when reviewing stuff on the ol’ monitor:

1. Increase/decrease the zoom level on your monitor. When you’ve been staring at a document for hours on end, this one little change is enough to give your precious eyeballs (and brain) a fresh perspective on the words staring back at you. When I’m in Word on my PC, the zoom toggle is in the lower right-hand corner.

2. Highlight the text in yellow. This works especially well for shorter pieces. In Word, the highlight option is usually in the same area as the font face and size options.

3. Read backwards. Start with the last sentence of your document and work your way to the beginning (note: don’t read the sentences themselves backwards). Reading things out of context is a great way to catch mistakes.

4. Do a “find” on your crutch words and problem areas. Do you write “your” when you really mean “you’re”? Do a “find” on “your” and double-check yourself. Do you tend to use fillers like “just,” “very,” “really” or “George Clooney is a god”? Do a search on those words/phrases. Do you type too fast and always use “manger” instead of “manager”? Ditto.

Would love to hear about some other proofreading strategies. Leave yours in the comments thread.

When to Use Then vs Than: Here’s an Easy Way to Remember

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If you can never remember when to use then vs than, I’ve got good news for you.

First, you’re not alone.

Second, I learned a great tip a couple of years ago from a writing magazine (I don’t remember which one, which is why I’m not naming names). I haven’t had trouble with these words since following this trick.

When to use then vs than: The ultimate tip for remembering

Think of it like this: The word “than” refers to comparisons, while the word “then” refers to time.

Now, here’s the nifty way to remember:

  • There’s an “a” in “comparisons,” and there’s an “a“ in “than.”
  • There’s an “e” in “time,” and there’s an “e” in “then.”

Don’t even worry about remembering both. If you think “then” and “time,” you’ll be golden. Just ask yourself if what you’re writing as to do with time, and if it does, boom! Use “then.”

Examples:

  • I think George Clooney is hotter than Brad Pitt. (I’m comparing George to Brad. And I’m also dating myself.)
  • First, I’m going to eat ice cream. Then, I’ll work out. (I’m explaining the very sensible timing between my ice cream consumption and exercise.)
  • I enjoy writing more than just about anything. (Comparing writing to everything else.)
  • I started freelancing in 2002. Back then, I didn’t have to think about social media. (I’m talking about a time period.)

Language is fun. Here are my go-to writing and editing resources.

Note: I use affiliate links for some of them. If you use one of the links to buy something, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission. I only recommend stuff that I believe in.

  • Grammarly. (Affiliate link) The free version is great at catching critical errors. I used it for about a year before upgrading to the premium tier, and I’m glad I did. You can sign up for the free version here. (If you sign up or buy via my affiliate link, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission.)
  • A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers. (Amazon affiliate link link.) I have the fifth edition, which is excellent. I’m thinking about upgrading to the 10th. Hacker was incredible. She died in 2004, but her memory lives on.
  • Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer. (Amazon affiliate link.) Another gem. I gave this one to Mr. Word Nerd.

Is it Homed In or Honed In? (The Answer Might Surprise You)

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The “is it homed in or honed in” debate will never die. This is a note I received from a client. (Edited lightly for readability.)

Question: I think you made a mistake in my copy. You used the word “home in,” and I think it should be “hone in.” Here’s the sentence in question: “She knew exactly what area of the artwork to home in on.”

Listen, I make mistakes, and I’m not above admitting to them. (No copywriter or copy editor is perfect.) But this isn’t a mistake. So many people, including writers and editors, misuse the phrase “hone in.”

When you “hone” your skills, you improve them. When you “home in on something,” you aim your attention to a direct target (think of a homing device). In this example, “she” knew what area of the artwork to direct her attention to. So my original sentence is correct.

But honestly? I should have never used “home in” in the first place. Here’s why.

Plot twist to the “homed in or honed in” conundrum.

So many people say “honing in” now instead of “homing in” that “honing in” has become somewhat accepted. 😭

Language is fluid. Especially English. And this certainly isn’t the first example of mistakes becoming acceptable by the mainstream. (I’m looking at you, literally.)

Even if you decide to use the phrase correctly and say “home in” when you mean zeroing in on something, you might end up looking like the person who’s making a mistake since so many people misuse the term. (Frustrating, I know.)

That’s why I suggest you avoid using “homing in” altogether. Instead, say “zeroing in” or “focusing” (if it works) so that you can avoid confusion and the wrath of people’s ignorance.

So going back to the original sentence in question, here’s how I should have written it: “She knew exactly what area of the artwork to zero in on.” Or this: “She knew exactly what area of the artwork to focus on.”

Fun fact: I used to confuse home in vs. hone in ALL THE TIME, up until the early aughts when someone set me straight.

During a meeting with my writers’ group, someone used “hone in” when they should have used “home in.” Another writer in the group pointed out the error (nicely) and explained the difference. I took note back then, which is why I use it correctly now. (But I still have words that haunt me. For the life of me, I will never be able to keep “lay vs. lie” straight.)

Language is fun. Here are my go-to writing and editing resources.

Note: I use affiliate links for some of them. If you use one of the links to buy something, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission. I only recommend stuff that I believe in.