Dictionary   >>   A vs. An Rules    Examples

A vs. An Rules

When to Use A

• Use A if the next word starts with the sound of a consonant.
• examples:  a tree & a word
• Use A if the first letter of the next word is vowel but the first sound is a consonant.
• when "o" makes the same sound as w in won
• when "e" makes the same sound as the y in you
• when "eu" makes the same sound as the y in you
• when "u" makes the same sound as the y in you
• examples:  a united, a European, & a one
• Using A implies a singular word or phrase. It should not be used with plural words.

When to Use An

• Use An if the next word starts with the sound of a vowel.
• examples:  an ape, an oak, & an art project
• Use An if the next word starts with a silent 'h', followed by a vowel.
• example:  an hour
• Using An implies a singular word or phrase. It should not be used with plural words.

Cite This Source