Use Of The A And An Questions Long
The rule for using "A" or "An" before words starting with a pronounced "h" is based on the sound that follows the "h" in the word.
When the "h" is followed by a vowel sound, we use "An." This is because "An" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, not necessarily a vowel letter. For example, we say "an hour" because the "h" in "hour" is silent, and the word begins with a vowel sound, which is the "ow" sound.
On the other hand, when the "h" is followed by a consonant sound, we use "A." This is because "A" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. For example, we say "a house" because the "h" in "house" is pronounced, and the word begins with a consonant sound, which is the "h" sound.
It is important to note that the decision to use "A" or "An" is based on the sound that follows the "h" in the word, not the actual letter. So, even if a word starts with a vowel letter, if it is pronounced with a consonant sound, we use "A." Similarly, if a word starts with a consonant letter but is pronounced with a vowel sound, we use "An."
In summary, when deciding whether to use "A" or "An" before words starting with a pronounced "h," we consider the sound that follows the "h." If it is a vowel sound, we use "An," and if it is a consonant sound, we use "A."