What is the rule for using A or An before words starting with vowels?

Use Of The A And An Questions Long



70 Short 80 Medium 46 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What is the rule for using A or An before words starting with vowels?

The rule for using "A" or "An" before words starting with vowels is based on the sound of the word, rather than the actual letter it begins with.

The general rule is to use "A" before words that begin with a consonant sound, and "An" before words that begin with a vowel sound. This means that even if a word starts with a vowel letter, if it is pronounced with a consonant sound, we use "A" instead of "An".

For example:
- "A university" (pronounced as "yoo-ni-ver-si-ty")
- "A one-way street" (pronounced as "wun-wey street")
- "A European country" (pronounced as "yoo-ro-pee-an kuhn-tree")

On the other hand, we use "An" before words that begin with a vowel sound:
- "An apple" (pronounced as "an ap-uhl")
- "An hour" (pronounced as "an ow-er")
- "An honest person" (pronounced as "an on-est per-son")

It is important to note that the choice between "A" and "An" is determined by the sound of the word, not the actual letter it starts with. So, even if a word starts with a consonant letter, if it is pronounced with a vowel sound, we use "An". For example:
- "An hour" (pronounced as "an ow-er")
- "An honest person" (pronounced as "an on-est per-son")

In summary, the rule for using "A" or "An" before words starting with vowels is based on the sound of the word. Use "A" before words with a consonant sound, and "An" before words with a vowel sound.