![]() The word-initial "y" sound ("unicorn") is a glide phonetically, which has consonantal properties consequently, it is treated as a consonant, requiring "a."įor more information, please visit the OWL's page on using articles.Letters come in two varieties: vowels and consonants. When "u" makes the same sound as the "y" in "you," or "o" makes the same sound as "w" in "won," then a is used. Use " an" before a silent or unsounded "h." Because the "h" does not have any phonetic representation or audible sound, the sound that follows the article is a vowel consequently, "an" is used. " An" goes before words that begin with vowels: " A" goes before words that begin with consonants. If the first letter makes a vowel-type sound, you use "an" if the first letter would make a consonant-type sound, you use "a." However, even if you follow these basic rules when deciding to use "a" or "an," remember that there are some exceptions to these rules. ![]() The choice of article is based upon the phonetic (sound) quality of the first letter in a word, not on the orthographic (written) representation of the letter. This short handout deals with which article to use before a noun - "a" or "an." How do you know when to use the indefinite articles? Suggested Resources Style Guide Overview MLA Guide APA Guide Chicago Guide OWL Exercises Articles: A versus An
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