On Mon, 26 Jul 2004 10:01:28 +0000 (UTC), "Richard Pattle"
wrote:

(pedantry ON)

No, 'a' is grammatically and stylistically better. The word 'spelling' used
in this instance is a gerund. It signifies the act of spelling on this
occasion, not _the_ spelling of 'viruses'. As such, it is _a_ spelling of
'viruses' (i.e. the incorrect one used on this occasion)

(pedantry OFF)

( I say chaps, this beats discussing anything significant or on topic,
dunnit? ;-) )


Sorry, but it won't wash. There is only one spelling of viruses; hence
you can't have "a" spelling of viruses. Spell it any other way and you
haven't spelled viruses.

And I wasn't using the gerund form of spelling, but the verb form,
hence the lack of any article.

d
Pearce Consulting
http://www.pearce.uk.com