Can I use A or An before words starting with a silent g?

Use Of The A And An Questions Medium



70 Short 80 Medium 46 Long Answer Questions Question Index

Can I use A or An before words starting with a silent g?

Yes, you can use "a" or "an" before words starting with a silent "g." The choice between "a" and "an" depends on the sound that follows the article, not the silent letter at the beginning of the word.

If the word following "a" or "an" begins with a vowel sound, you would use "an." For example, you would say "an hour" because the "h" in "hour" is silent, and the word begins with a vowel sound.

If the word following "a" or "an" begins with a consonant sound, you would use "a." For example, you would say "a gnome" because the "g" in "gnome" is silent, but the word begins with a consonant sound.

So, in summary, the use of "a" or "an" is determined by the sound that follows the article, not the silent letter at the beginning of the word.