---
title: "A SQL Server vs. An SQL Server"
description: "Since we reference an external solution, we must write the full name, Microsoft SQL Server, whenever possible (the same we do for every other external solution)."
canonical: "https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/styleguide/tw/sql_server.html"
breadcrumb: "Style Guide > Tips and Tricks > A SQL Server vs. An SQL Server"
dateModified: "2026-09-03"
---

# A SQL Server vs. An SQL Server

Since we reference an external solution, we must write the full name, *Microsoft SQL Server*, whenever possible (the same we do for every other external solution).

When talking about an instance or a database of the server, use the article **a** (not **an**) — *a Microsoft SQL Server instance* or *a SQL Server database* (since "SQL" is pronounced as [ ˈsiːkwəl ] not [ ˈɛs kjuː ˈɛl ] [according to Microsoft](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/sql/)).