Mastering "a" and "an"

The indefinite articles "a" and "an" are used for singular countable nouns—like "a tree" or "an apple." While we say "the sun" because there is only one, we use indefinite articles when talking about something that is neither specific nor unique, and particularly when we mention it for the first time.

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Look, if you want, we can go and get a tree this weekend.

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And I pre-slice an apple by my bed.

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The simple explanation is that "a" is used for nouns that begin with a consonant and "an" is for those that begin with a vowel. But this actually relates to the sound the word begins with, not the word's spelling! In the words "hour" and "honor," the "h" is silent, whereas "university" begins with a "y" sound. This is what determines the appropriate article.

You could just drop by the shop in about an hour.

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Well, it's such an honor to be here. I'm so honored.

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Technically, a university is generally a school that offers an undergraduate and a graduate program.

Captions 38-39, Ask An American: COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY, and HIGH SCHOOL in the U.S.
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It's important to note that if there is an adjective before a noun, this is what determines whether "a" or "an" is used. You can see below that even though "idea," "ability," and "honor" all start with a vowel sound, the preceding adjective begins with a consonant sound, which requires "a." The opposite is the case in "an interesting history."

Jim, if you ask me, and you haven't, I think this is a terrible idea.

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English has shown a unique ability to absorb, evolve, invade, and, if we're honest, steal.

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Uh, so, Mr. President, it was a great honor being with you.

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