Using “A” and “An”

Do you also find the use of A and AN confusing, especially when there is a clear consonant like in HOUR and AN is still used?

Hello scholar,

Welcome to the simplest lesson on using A and AN correctly in a sentence with detailed explanation, examples and questions for you to practice.

Real rule of using A and AN

Contrary to many teachings,

“A and AN” are not used before consonant & vowel LETTERS in the alphabet. Rather, they are used before consonant & vowel SOUNDS.

Letters (or ALPHABETS) are different from SOUNDS.

While there are 26 alphabets with 21 consonants and 5 vowels,

• Consonant LETTERS = (B, C, D, F, G…)
• Vowel LETTERS = (A, E, I, O, U)

…there are 44 sounds in English Language with 24 CONSONANT SOUNDS and 20 vowel sounds.

• Consonant SOUNDS = /ʃ/, /f/, /tʃ/,..
• Vowel SOUNDS = /ʌ/, /e/, /æ/, /ɑː/…

So, how do you use A and AN correctly?

When to use A before vowel

Remember.

“A and AN” are used based on the first SOUND (…not the first letter) of the word after them.

For example:

• A umbrella. ❌
• An umbrella. ✅

The first sound represented by the first letter (u–) in the word “umbrella” is /ʌ/ – a VOWEL SOUND.

However,

• A university. ✅
• An university. ❌

The first sound represented by the first letter (u–) in the word “university” is /j/ – a CONSONANT SOUND.

When to use AN before consonant

Once again, remember.

“A and AN” are used based on the first SOUND (…not the first letter) of the word after them.

Example:

• A hour. ❌
• An hour. ✅

The first letter (h–) is SILENT so the second letter (-o-) gives the FIRST sound /aʊ/ – a VOWEL SOUND.

However,

• A house. ✅
• An house. ❌

The first sound represented by the first letter (h–) in the word “house” is /h/ – a CONSONANT SOUND.

Easy now, right?

Even abbreviations like SS, MBA, NCE…

Practice questions on using A and AN correctly