Using AN vs. A

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Using AN vs. A

A and an are used in front of singular count nouns.

In (a): dog and animal are singular count nouns.

(a) A dog is an animal.

Use an in front of words that begin with their vowels a, e, i, and o: an apartment, an elephant, an idea, an ocean.

In (c): Notice that an is used because the adjective old begins with a vowel and comes in front of the singular count man.

(b) I work in an office.
(c) Mr. Lee is an old man.

Use an if a word that begins with u has a vowel sound: an uncle, an ugly picture as in (d).

Use a if a word that begins with u has a /ju/ sound: a universaty, a usual event as in (e).

(d) I have an uncle.
COMPARE:
(e) He works at a university.

In some words that begin with h, the h is not pronounced. Instead, the word begins with a vowel sound and an is used: an hour, an honor as in (f).

In most words that begin with h, the h is pronounced. Use a if the h is pronounced as in (g).

(f) I need an hour to finish my work.
COMPARE:
(g) I live in a house. He lives in a hotel.

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