historians and editorial folks: how do we feel these days about “an” as the indefinite article before “historical”? - ThreadSky

voromosm.bsky.social • 58 days ago

historians and editorial folks: how do we feel these days about “an” as the indefinite article before “historical”?

Comments

mickodopolous.bsky.social•58 days ago

I believe it is past it's due date. "a" has prevailed in common (and written) usage.

voromosm.bsky.social•58 days ago

I'm with you

suetas.bsky.social•58 days ago

I (Australian English) still use it, because if reading it aloud I would pronounce 'historical' with a soft 'h'. But I'm kind of old. I would not change 'a' if editing.

voromosm.bsky.social•58 days ago

that makes sense! I should have specified that the text is by a US English speaker and will be pubbed by a US press

suetas.bsky.social•58 days ago

I think it's done its dash even in British/Aust English tbh.

psychofish77.bsky.social•58 days ago

I absolutely prefer an over a here, but that’s really only because it’s the sillier option. It’s ridiculously ostentatious.

But I tend to defer to Chicago, and for an American audience, a is the correct way to go.