Podcast
Questions and Answers
Use ______ before words that start with a consonant sound.
Use ______ before words that start with a consonant sound.
a
Use ______ before words that start with a vowel sound.
Use ______ before words that start with a vowel sound.
an
Use ______ before words that start with a silent 'h'.
Use ______ before words that start with a silent 'h'.
an
Use ______ before abbreviations that start with a consonant sound.
Use ______ before abbreviations that start with a consonant sound.
The choice of '______' or 'an' may vary depending on the speaker's accent.
The choice of '______' or 'an' may vary depending on the speaker's accent.
What is the general rule for using 'a' or 'an'?
What is the general rule for using 'a' or 'an'?
Before which type of words should you use 'an'?
Before which type of words should you use 'an'?
What should you do if you're unsure about using 'a' or 'an'?
What should you do if you're unsure about using 'a' or 'an'?
Before which type of words should you use 'a'?
Before which type of words should you use 'a'?
Why is the general rule for using 'a' or 'an' based on the sound of the word?
Why is the general rule for using 'a' or 'an' based on the sound of the word?
Study Notes
Indefinite Articles: A or An
Basic Rules
- Use a before words that start with a consonant sound:
- a cat, a dog, a house
- Use an before words that start with a vowel sound:
- an apple, an elephant, an hour
Exceptions
- Use an before words that start with a silent "h":
- an hour, an heir
- Use a before words that start with a pronounced "h":
- a house, a historian
- Use a before words that start with a vowel but have a consonant sound:
- a European, a unicorn
Special Cases
- Use a before abbreviations that start with a consonant sound:
- a TV, a DVD
- Use an before abbreviations that start with a vowel sound:
- an FBI agent, an NGO
Irregularities
- Some words have different pronunciations in different regions or dialects, so the choice of "a" or "an" may vary depending on the speaker's accent.
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Description
Learn the basic rules and exceptions for using indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' in English grammar, including pronunciation, abbreviations, and special cases.
