Justlearn
  • Find classes
  • Log In
  • Sign Up
Create AI
  • Find classes
  • Log In
  • Create AI Language Teacher

Create your AI Language Teacher Free

Web

Online teachers in more than 70 languages

Justlearn is one of the largest tutoring platforms that provide 1-on-1 classes with professional teachers.

Find my first class
What Is the Difference Between A and An?

What Is the Difference Between A and An?

justlearnj
Justlearn
6/28/2021
3 minute read

When you are learning English, you will notice that the words 'a' and 'an' are used. One concept that you really need to grasp is what their purpose is and, perhaps more importantly, when you should be using a and when you should be using an. Luckily for you, our tutors at JustLearn have all the information for you. We are going to cover that on this page.

The similarities

Both 'a' and 'an' are what are known as indefinite articles. We don't really want to go into the technicalities of what that means as this is not going to be a huge grammar lesson.

All you really need to know is that the words 'a' and 'an' are used in the same context as indefinite articles. However, they will be used at different times. This is what some English learners struggle to grasp.

The use of A

You will use 'a' when the first sound of the following word sounds like a consonant. For example:

* A mouse

* A coffee

* A cupcake

* A tiger

In most cases, the word will start with a consonant, so it should be pretty easy to know when you should be using A. However, as we said before, it is also used when the starting sound sounds like a consonant. For example, unique. The combination of the 'un' makes it sound like a consonant. In this case, it is y.

We do want to mention the word 'herb' here. Although, we are going to come to why in the next section, but keep the word herb in your mind.

The use of AN

The word 'an' is different to 'a'. This word is used when the first sound that the word makes sounds like a vowel or is a vowel. So, the following would be correct:

English Tutors
English Tutors
Spanish Tutors
Spanish Tutors
German Tutors
German Tutors
See More Tutors

* An antelope

* An igloo

* An aubergine

It should be pretty easy to grasp.

However, let's confuse things for a second here, shall we? Remember that word 'herb' that we asked you to remember? Well, this is proof of how the different sounds a word makes can influence whether you use 'an' or 'a'.

In British English, herb is pronounced with a hard H. So, you actually pronounce the H. Since this is a consonant sound, you would start the word with 'a'

In American English, the H isn't pronounced. Instead, the first letter you pronounce is E. This means that it sounds like it has a vowel. As a result, you would use 'an'.

So the following are both correct, depending on the version of English that you are speaking:

* A herb

* An herb

 

Learn Any Language Faster with your Personal Tutor

Get Started

The 5 Best French Canadian TV Shows to Master Your Language Skills

Are you amazed by French spoken in Canada?

justlearnj
Justlearn
2/23/2022
6 minute read

7 Amusing & Effective Ways to Learn Spanish as an Adult

When it comes to learning a foreign language, many people think that kids are better at language learning than adults. But is this really true?

justlearnj
Justlearn
2/21/2022
6 minute read

14 Guatemalan Slang Words & Phrases For Every Spanish Learner

If you are planning to visit some of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, we have a proposal for you. Have you thought about visiting Guatemala?

justlearnj
Justlearn
2/9/2022
6 minute read

13 Most Common Spanish Terms of Endearment to Warm Your Heart And Brain

Do you know that people from Spanish-speaking countries are very passionate?

justlearnj
Justlearn
2/3/2022
6 minute read

8 Different Ways to Say Thank You in Portuguese (Both Formal & Informal)

Learning basic Portuguese sayings and greetings shouldn't be that hard.

justlearnj
Justlearn
2/3/2022
6 minute read

4 Motivating TED Talks in Portuguese For Polishing Your Language Skills

Have you ever watched TED talks? If you have, did you find them useful and amusing?

justlearnj
Justlearn
1/18/2022
7 minute read

Create your AI Language Teacher Free

Web
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. What Is the Difference Between A and An?
  • Company

  • About us
  • Press
  • How it works
  • Support

  • Contact Us
  • Help Center
  • Social

  • Facebook Group
  • Community

  • Blog
  • Sitemap

Terms of Use Privacy Policy

Cross
justlearn
Notification
Message:
Message