How to Use A and An Correctly

Grammar rules can often times be confusing. There are a few quick tricks in regards to whether to use "a" or "an" in a sentence. The steadfast rule to always remember is the sound of the word's first letter determines which to utilize, not the actual letter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use "a" in a sentence if the next word begins with a consonant sound. For example, obviously use "a" in the following manner: a dog, a cat, a book. However, also use "a" like this: a university student, a European Vacation.

2. Use "an" in a sentence if the next word begins with a vowel sound. For example, use "an" in the following way: an overdue book, an ostrich, an apple. However, also use "an" before words like hour which has a vowel sound despite starting with h.

3. Put "an" before abbreviations that start with the letters: F, H, L, M, N, R, S and X because they have a vowel sound. For example, an FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) member won first place.

4. Use "a" in front of abbreviations that start with the letter u. This is because u starts with the consonant y sound. For example, did you see a UFO last night?

5. Treat acronyms like words not abbreviations. Acronyms are abbreviations spoken like words. For example, George is a FEDEX driver.

Tips & Warnings

• Sound everything out. The use of "a" or "an" is always about sound, never about spelling.