What is the rule for using A or An before words starting with a silent vowel?

Use Of The A And An Questions Medium



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What is the rule for using A or An before words starting with a silent vowel?

The rule for using "A" or "An" before words starting with a silent vowel is based on the sound of the following word, not the actual letter.

If the following word begins with a consonant sound, we use "A" before words starting with a silent vowel. For example, "a university" (pronounced as "yoo-ni-ver-si-ty") or "a one-eyed monster" (pronounced as "wun-ahyd mon-ster").

On the other hand, if the following word begins with a vowel sound, we use "An" before words starting with a silent vowel. For example, "an hour" (pronounced as "ow-er") or "an honest person" (pronounced as "on-est per-son").

In summary, the choice between "A" and "An" is determined by the sound of the following word, not the silent vowel at the beginning of the word.