"A" and "an"

 

Explain the proper use of "a" and "an" in a sentence.

"A" and "an" are both indefinite articles, used to refer to non-specific nouns. The difference between them lies in how they sound before the following word.

• Use "a" before a noun with a consonant sound:

  • Example: "I saw a bird in the tree." (Bird starts with the consonant sound "b")

• Use "an" before a noun with a vowel sound:

  • Example: "I would like an apple for lunch." (Apple starts with the vowel sound "a")

Here's the trick: focus on the sound, not the spelling.

• Silent "h": If a word starts with a silent "h," use "an" because the following sound is a vowel.

  • Example: "I need an hour to finish this." (Hour is pronounced "our")

• Pronounced "h": If the "h" is pronounced, use "a."

  • Example: "I wore a hat yesterday." (Hat is pronounced with a clear "h" sound)