At 10:21 AM 4/10/2006 -0600, you wrote:
>Perhaps someone on the list can comment about why
>people will choose to say "zero" sometimes and "oh"
>at other times.
>
>For example:  303 1006   might be pronounced
>three oh three one zero zero six
>( and pronounced that way consistently )
>
>Gus    AGSC

Good question!

I think it is just that "oh" is one syllable and "zero" is two. But "oh"
is more informal (and maybe even ambiguous or wrong if there is any
possibility of the letter "o" showing up). So you'd tend to hear "oh"
more often in an informal setting, where it is clear that numbers only
are what is being referred to, and "zero" where one wants to be precise.

"Naught" or even its grimy and illegitimate cousin "aught" are other
possibilities, but they both sound a touch old-fashioned to my ears.

>Best regards,

Spehro Pefhany --"it's the network..."            "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog  Info for designers:  http://www.speff.com




-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist