منتديات شباب فلسطين - The difference between A and AN

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 CAT
A BOX
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

SOUNDS:
Consonant sounds:
/b/ /c/ /d/ /f/ /g/ /h/ /j/ /k/ /l/
/m/ /n/ /ng/ /p/ /kw/ /s/ /t/ /v/
/w/ /ks/ /z/ /ts/

Vowel sounds:
/a/ /e/ /i/ /o/ /u/ /oi/ /ay/

LETTERS:
Consonants:
b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z

Vowels: a, e, i, o, u