When using an abbreviation, such as MRI, is it correct to use "a" or "an" before MRI?

Question

I have to listen to a "know it all" friend who always thinks he's always right and I'm curious to find out the answer to this question. I think it's silly to argue over grammar, but I'm curious as to what is right.... thank you.

Answer 1

You should use "an." The letter 'm' has a vowel sound at the beginning when it is spoken, written phonetically, it would be "em." Because, phonetically, it starts with a vowel sound, it needs "an."

Answer 2

This is a regional thing, like the use of the word hospital. Where Americans say, "The casualties went to the hospital" the British say, "The casualties went to hospital."

American grammar is that "a" should be used. However British grammar allows "an" to be used before an unstressed consonant. Since most people tend to say "mRi" with the stress on the second consonant, the British rule may be in play. If writing, I would use the grammar that matches the words you are using. IE: If you are using strictly American spellings, I would use the American rule and use "a." I

However, in speaking I have heard the term "MRI" used with both "a" and "an." Many people use "an" just because it sounds better. I think it is a point that only an English teacher would worry about.

Answer 3

when using MRI, its modified by 'An'

But if you don't abbreviate it, and spell out Magnetic Resonance Image you would use 'A'

the usage of an/a is dependand upon the opening sound of the word being modified ie. Going to 'A' bar, or 'an' Arena, but if you put a descripter such as "An' open bar, or 'a' political arena"

It varies by context, typically consonants get A's, while Vowels get An's, but its more about the sound rather than the letter

Answer 4

An 'a' is used before words beginning with a consonant, with the exception of words that begin with the 'vowel' sounds , which require 'an'. Phonically, MRI has a vowel sound beginning, therefore, it uses 'an'.

Answer 5

MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Since the first word is magnetic, m is a consonant therefore you would use "a" and not "an" if the acronym being used began with a vowel you would use "an"

Answer 6

If the abbreviation starts with a vowel (A,E, I, O, U) then you use an. However, if the abbreviation uses a consonent (all the letters that aren't vowels then it would be a.For example get an IV. Go get a X-Ray.

Answer 7

You have to consider how the the sentence would be spoken out loud. In this case, the initials would be spoken, not each individual word that the initials stand for. So "an" would come before the "Em" in "Em" "Are" "Eye."

Answer 8

I've always said "an MRI" it just sounds right...

Answer 9

An MRI

Answer 10

i think following correct grammar it should be A
but even if it is, i would use AN because it sounds right.