A vs. An Rules

When to Use A

  • Use A if the next word starts with the sound of a consonant.
    • examplesa tree & a word
  • Use A if the first letter of the next word is vowel but the first sound is a consonant.
    • when "o" makes the same sound as w in won
    • when "e" makes the same sound as the y in you
    • when "eu" makes the same sound as the y in you
    • when "u" makes the same sound as the y in you
    • examplesa united, a European, & a one
  • Using A implies a singular word or phrase. It should not be used with plural words.

When to Use An

  • Use An if the next word starts with the sound of a vowel.
    • examplesan ape, an oak, & an art project
  • Use An if the next word starts with a silent 'h', followed by a vowel.
    • examplean hour
  • Using An implies a singular word or phrase. It should not be used with plural words.

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A vs. An Examples

A
  • a unicorn
  • a lot
  • a shirt
  • a cube
  • a book
  • a jeweler
  • a mall
  • a one
  • a chart
  • a jacket
  • a school
An
  • an hour
  • an out
  • an uncle
  • an ant
  • an iPhone
  • an exciting
  • an extra
  • an email
  • an ice cube
  • an ultra
  • an upstairs
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