[General] a SME or an SME

[Oceanlike]

I have seen it written mostly as an SME (small and medium-sized enterprises), instead of a SME.

Why not 'a'?

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

Whether the letter that follows the indefinite article is a consonant or a vowel is irrelevant. It's the sound of the following syllable that counts.

 

[Tdol]

You can see it with words like an umbrella but a university- it is triggered by sound not spelling.

 

[emsr2d2]

Using "a SME" would be the equivalent of using "a essential part of ...". I'm sure you would know that "a essential" is wrong.

 

[Oceanlike]

Should I pronounce "thee" or "thuh" (the) idea? I am thinking 'idea' starts with the sound 'eye', which is not a vowel sound. So, I say 'thuh' (the) idea, instead of 'thee' idea.

Is it wrong?

Thank you.

 

[SoothingDave]

Your native language is English and you don't know that there is a vowel whose name sounds exactly like "eye"?

 

[Oceanlike]

I would like to improve on my English....I really don't understand hence I ask. I know 'eye' sounds like the long vowel of 'I". Does that count?

 

[Tdol]

Should I pronounce "thee" or "thuh" (the) idea?

The speed of the conversation affects this- the slower, the more like "thee".

 

[GoesStation]

I am thinking 'idea' starts with the sound 'eye', which is [STRIKE]not[/STRIKE] a vowel sound. ...

Is it wrong?

It was. I've corrected it.

 

[jutfrank]

Standard pronunciation is 'thee' idea, not 'thuh' idea.

Before vowels, say 'thee'.

What is really to the point here is that there must at least be an intrusion of a /j/ sound (like the first sound in yes) between the two words, in order to allow a flowing connection. In actual fact, in normally paced speech, it can barely be discriminated between thuyidea and theeyidea.

But having said that, the normal 'rule' to teach learners is to use thee before vowels.