Using “a” and “an” correctly is essential for clear and effective communication in writing. Although it may seem straightforward, the rules for these articles can be nuanced, particularly when it comes to pronunciation.
A An In AP Style
According to AP style, the use is not so difficult to understand. There is one standard rule that you have to follow.
> You have to use ‘a’ before consonant sounds that are non-vowel sounds. For example,
• A traditional look.
• A one-year old boy.
Note: Though ‘o’ in ‘one’ is vowel, but it sounds like –w in ‘one’. That is why, ‘o’ is taken as a consonant sound.
> You have to use ‘an’ before vowel sounds. The letters a, e, i, o, u represent vowel sounds. For example,
• An optical disc.
• Half an hour later.
Note: ‘H’ in ‘hour’ and ‘N’ in ‘NGO‘ sounds completely like vowels (i.e. ‘h’ sounds like –a and ‘N’ sounds like –e).
‘A’ = Before Consonant Sounds
‘An’ = Before Vowel Sounds
Check Out: How Do We Use Abbreviations and Acronyms in AP Style?
Common Exceptions to the Rules
While the rules for using “a” and “an” are generally straightforward, several exceptions can cause confusion. Here are a couple of key examples.
Words Beginning with a Silent ‘H’: Use “an” before words that start with a silent ‘H’:
- An hour
- An honor
Acronyms Starting with Vowel Sounds: Use “an” before acronyms that begin with a vowel sound:
- An MBA (the ‘M’ is pronounced ’em’)
- An NGO (the ‘N’ is pronounced ‘en’)
Special Cases with Abbreviations
When dealing with abbreviations and acronyms, the rules for using “a” and “an” depend on their pronunciation rather than their spelling.
Acronyms Starting with Consonant Sounds: Use “a” before acronyms that begin with a consonant sound:
- A UFO (the ‘U’ is pronounced ‘yoo’)
Acronyms Starting with Vowel Sounds: Use “an” before acronyms that start with a vowel sound:
- An MRI (the ‘M’ is pronounced ’em’)
What Did You Learn?
The correct use of “a” and “an” hinges on consonant and vowel sounds rather than just the letters themselves. Remember to use “a” before consonant sounds and “an” before vowel sounds, including cases where the initial letter may be a consonant but produces vowel sound.
Mastering these rules will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing, ensuring effective communication in various contexts. By paying attention to pronunciation, you can avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your overall writing skills.