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an sos vs a sos

Both 'an SOS' and 'a SOS' are commonly used, but 'an SOS' is more correct because the pronunciation of the acronym starts with a vowel sound. The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound that follows, not the actual letter.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 5625 views

an sos

This is correct. 'An SOS' is more appropriate because the pronunciation of the acronym starts with a vowel sound.

Use 'an SOS' when referring to the distress signal. The choice of 'an' is based on the pronunciation of the acronym, not the actual letter.

Examples:

Please send an SOS signal immediately.
An SOS call was received from the stranded hikers.
The ship sent an SOS message before it sank.
An SOS was heard over the radio.
The pilot transmitted an SOS to indicate an emergency.

Show examples from the web [+]

The first ship to transmit an SOS distress call appears to have been either the Cunard liner RMS Slavonia on June 10, 1909, according to "Notable ...
Apr 10, 2009 ... My brother said, "Hey, did you know they are sending out an Sos? ... is it really " sending out an sos" ? it sounds like "send me now an sos" for ...
Feb 23, 2010 ... I'll send an SOS to the world. I'll send an SOS to the world. I hope that someone gets my Message in a bottle. A year has passed since I wrote ...
Send an SOS to the mainland to tell them that we are sinking! SOS أنْقِذونا!: نِداء اسْتِغاثَه SOS SOS SOS das SOS SOS ΣΟΣ SOS ; llamada de socorro SOS, ...

Alternatives:

a distress signal
a call for help
a plea for assistance
a distress message
a signal of distress

a sos

This is correct. 'A SOS' is also commonly used, but 'an SOS' is more appropriate due to the pronunciation of the acronym.

While 'a SOS' is used by some speakers, 'an SOS' is more widely accepted. Stick to 'an SOS' for formal or correct usage.

Examples:

The ship sent a SOS signal before it sank.
A SOS call was received from the stranded hikers.
Please send a SOS message immediately.
A SOS was heard over the radio.
The pilot transmitted a SOS to indicate an emergency.

Show examples from the web [+]

Thomas A. Sos, MD. Affiliation. NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Primary Specialty. Diagnostic Radiology (Board Certified). Education And Training.
Sailor: "Captain...the ship is taking in too much water..." Captain: "Send a S.O.S. transmition to the base..." Sailor: "Ay-Ay Captain!" by nismoflip6 October 06, ...
Interventional Radiology 525 East 68th Street, Payson Pavilion, 5. New York, NY 10065. P: (212) 746-1866 | F: (212) 746-8463. Call for appointment. (212) 746- ...
MapViewer, Chart Viewer, and Time Controller Portlets deployed on an installation of the ENVISION Portlet container and present in the same page; A SOS ...

Alternatives:

a distress signal
a call for help
a plea for assistance
a distress message
a signal of distress

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