When should we use the article An before countable nouns?

Use Of The A And An Questions Long



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When should we use the article An before countable nouns?

The article "an" is used before countable nouns when the noun begins with a vowel sound. This is because the purpose of using "an" is to create a smoother flow between the article and the noun, making it easier to pronounce.

However, it is important to note that the use of "an" is determined by the sound of the noun, not necessarily the letter it begins with. For example, even if a countable noun begins with a consonant letter, if it has a vowel sound, "an" should be used.

To determine whether to use "a" or "an" before a countable noun, you need to focus on the sound that follows the article. If the sound is a vowel sound, "an" should be used. If the sound is a consonant sound, "a" should be used.

For example:
- "an apple" (the noun "apple" begins with a vowel sound)
- "an hour" (the noun "hour" begins with a vowel sound)
- "an honest person" (the noun "honest" begins with a vowel sound)
- "a book" (the noun "book" begins with a consonant sound)
- "a university" (the noun "university" begins with a consonant sound)
- "a one-time opportunity" (the noun "one" begins with a consonant sound)

In summary, the article "an" is used before countable nouns when the noun begins with a vowel sound, regardless of the letter it starts with.