The whole "an historic" thing has worked my pants into a wad. Frustratingly, it seems the more often an incorrect phrase is repeated, the more it becomes acceptable. And so, like the comma between the last and penultimate word in a list ("red, white, and blue" or "red, white and blue") sources are beginning to say both "an historic" and "a historic" are correct -- it's up to you!
Not one to suffer grammatical ambiguity gladly, I hereby cast my vote for "a historic" for you if you're reading this blog, because if you're reading this blog you probably have an American accent that includes pronouncing the "h" in "historic."
For an excellent analysis of the matter, please read Sharp Points' An Ysterical Rant? which includes a list of learned sources who think I'm right! (Bonus.)
2 comments:
I vote for "a historic". It rolls off the tongue easier. "Ans" should never be caught chasing consonants.
The other misused term is the word 'amazing'. I hear people refer to a really tasty steak as "amazing" or their boy/ girl freind as "amazing". Are they finding their steak or signficant others so good that they are bewildering or perplexing?
I, for one, am so happy for your early retirement. I am benefiting from your free time by enjoying your blog every day! By the way, don't get me started on people who use an adjective where an adverb should be (real annoying).
Post a Comment