Grammar:Article

A/AN - Lesson on Articles

WHEN TO USE -A-

Use a if the next word begins with a consonant SOUND. This is a sound rule, NOT a spelling rule.

a box a cat a university           (university begins with a consonant sound) a unicorn            (unicorn begins with a consonant sound) a European trip  (European begins with a consonant sound) a hotel                 (hotel begins with a consonant sound)

WHEN TO USE -AN-

Use AN if the next word begins with a vowel SOUND. This is a sound rule, NOT a spelling rule.

an atom an entrance an ice cream cone an uncle                  (uncle begins with a vowel sound) an hour                   (the h is silent, thus a vowel sound)