When to Use An and A (Grammar Lesson)
The Quick Answer
Use an before a word that starts with a vowel sound. If it does not start with a vowel sound, use a. For example:- A man
- An elephant
- A house
- An hour
Using A and An
There is sometimes confusion about whether to use an or a, particularly with abbreviations. (The words an and a are known as articles.)The sound of a word's first letter determines which to use. If the word starts with a vowel sound, you should use an. If it starts with a consonant sound, you should use a.
Examples:
- Buy a house in an hour.
- An unknown goblin killed a unicorn.
- An LRS...
- A TT race...
- It would be a honour.
- Send an US ambassador.
- She was involved in a RTA.
(The abbreviation RTA starts with an a sound (i.e., ar-tee-ay.)