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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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an size of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an size of" is not correct in written English.
The correct article to use before "size" is "a" since "size" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "We need to determine a size of the new display for the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The expression pattern of the DLG5 gene was analyzed in multiple adult human tissues by Northern Blot Analysis using as a probe the ATCC clone #409942 (EST ym59b11) with insert an size of 2.386 Kb which contains exon 31 and 32 with 3' untranslated region of the gene.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thus, matrix A has a size of 96 × 21.

Science

Cell

A size of the box insured an infinite medium geometry.

has a size of.

All images have a size of  bits.

This PDF has a size of 64.

Images of a size of 1280×960 pixels were recorded.

Science

Plosone

These randomised codes were blocked in a size of 50.

Science

Plosone

PF11_0506 has one ORF with a size of 1710 bp.

Science

Plosone

Mice were sacrificed when tumors reached a size of 20 mm20

Science

Plosone

Select a size of maybe 500x500 pixels.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct article "a" instead of "an" before the word "size". For example, write "a size of".

Common error

Avoid using the article "an" before the word "size". "Size" begins with a consonant sound, so the correct article is "a". Using "an" is a common grammatical error that can make your writing appear unprofessional.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

77%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an size of" functions as a descriptor, attempting to specify the dimensions or extent of something. However, due to the incorrect article usage, it fails to properly convey its intended meaning. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct article is "a", not "an".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an size of" is grammatically incorrect due to the improper use of the article "an" before the word "size", which begins with a consonant sound. The correct phrasing is "a size of". Despite its occasional appearance across various sources, including scientific and news media, its incorrect grammar diminishes its effectiveness and appropriateness for formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the accurate article usage is essential for clear and professional communication. Consider alternatives like "the dimensions of" or "the scale of" for enhanced clarity and formality.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "an size of"?

The correct way to phrase this is "a size of" because the word "size" begins with a consonant sound.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "a size of"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the dimensions of", "the magnitude of", or "the scale of".

When should I use "dimensions" instead of "size"?

Use "dimensions" when you need to be more precise and formal in describing the measurements of an object. "Size" is a more general term, while "dimensions" specifies length, width, and height.

Is "an area of" similar in meaning to "a size of"?

Yes, "an area of" can be similar, especially when referring to the extent of a surface. For example, "the field has an area of 100 square meters" is similar to saying "the field has a size of 100 square meters".

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Source & Trust

77%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: