The term FYI is frequently used at my place of business. My co-workers use the term verbally at meetings to give listeners a clue when something new and important is changing. The term is also used in memos and emails to keep employees informed about changes within the office. Variations such as, "a FYI", "an FYI", or simply just "FYI" are used on all platforms of communication. These inconsistencies brought forth a question of which is the correct use of the term.
Internet search results show that many bloggers claim to know its correct usage and try to pass on their own knowledge as truth. I quickly discovered that bloggers contradict one another on the use of "a" and "an". The issue is; we often use the term "FYI" as a noun and it should be proceeded by an indefinite article. The question is which indefinite article is correct despite the general rule of "an" before a vowel or how an article sounds in a sentence; "a" or "an". Considering these questions may leave you confused and you may not agree with the fact that it is correct to say "an FYI".
Grammar resources explain that when used as a noun FYI begins with a vowel sound "e-ff". This is why it is correct to say "an FYI". They used examples such as "a university", "an hour", and "a house" to explain why all this matters. This was made clear to me after trying to say "an university" which even sounds silly to a 5 year old (my Godson thought an-university was an actual word, thing, noun, etc -was very cute).
I also discovered using an indefinite article is optional. The writer is not required to use "an" and can simply say "This is FYI", which sounded strange initially. Then I tried repeating each method of use out loud to see how the words flowed in a sentence; doing so provided more clarity on correct usage. "This is FYI", is the same as saying "This is for your information" which also sounds correct.
I welcome any insight someone would have on correct usage, and for now I will agree "an" is the correct article to proceed the term. I refuse to be a grammar Nazi at work on this matter. However going forward, I will take notice of its use and misuse around the office.
Just an FYI...Web References
http://www.grammarphobia.com
http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/45161-fyi-versus-fyi-versus-fyi.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_it_just_a_fyi_or_just_an_fyi
No comments:
Post a Comment