TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

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 is 'Ess-oh-ess', which means it starts with a vowel sound. The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound that follows, not the actual letter.
Jennifer profile picture

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 17, 2025 • 5963 views

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

"an sos"

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.
  • 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

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

"a sos"

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.
  • 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

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo