'A' or 'An'

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Worse than using 'of' instead of 'have', is using 'a' instead of 'an'.

"...a optical drive..." "...a i7 processor..." "...a ethernet cable..."

It is just so WRONG.

Remember, all words that begin with a consonant (letters that are not a-e-i-o-u) use 'a' not 'an'.

a boat
a car
a plane

The only exception is when a silent 'h' is the first letter of the next word.

an hour
an honest opinion

All words that begin with a vowel (the letters a-e-i-o-u) use 'an' not 'a'.

an apple
an optical drive
an ethernet cable

There are very few exceptions to the rule. If the 'e' or 'u' makes the same sound as 'y', then 'a' is used; if the 'o' makes the same sound as 'w' then 'a' is used.

a unit
a euphemism
a one-legged dog

If the first letter of the word sounds like a consonant, use 'a'. If the first letter of the word sounds like a vowel use 'an'.


(Key Stage 2 English lesson over)
 
When I have kids I'm not going to send them to school, they can just learn English on the OcUk forums. They will also learn how to create free energy as well which will be a bonus.
 
Thanks for that OP. I've brought you a cookie ;)

cookie.gif
 
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