ARTICLES A/AN
by Elmer Hernández López
1. CONCEPTS
1.1. The words "a" and "an" are articles to indicate one thing (like "a" or "one" in Spanish).
1.1.1. AN
1.1.1.1. is used "An" when the word begins with a vowel sound
1.1.1.1.1. example: an apple, an orange, an eraser
1.1.2. A
1.1.2.1. is used "a" before all words beginning with a consonant sound.
1.1.2.1.1. example: a pet, a door, a green onion, a cat
2. EXCEPTIONS #2
2.1. Some words can be written beginning with a vowel, but pronounced with initial consonant sounds. Words beginning with h, y, u, and e eu or are common words that can cause confusion.
2.1.1. Use "a" when "u" make the same sound "y" you, for example: a union, a unicorn, a used napkin, a usability study.
3. EXCEPTIONS #1
3.1. There are words beginning with a consonant but the first sound of the word is a vowel sound.
3.1.1. example: an hour (Do not pronounce the "h" in the word.)
4. EXCEPTIONS #3
4.1. There are also words beginning with a vowel but the first sound of the word is a consonant sound.
4.1.1. example: a University (We pronounce this word as if it started with the letter "y" which is a consonant sound.)