Your Primary School Teacher Was Wrong

Over the years, similar issue I’ve experienced with most students from ages 5-17 is the incorrect use of Indefinite Article “a” and “an“. Unfortunately, majority find themselves in this shoe because of what they were taught in their elementary school.

Well, I was taught the same thing as a child – You use “a” before a word that begins with consonant letter while you use “an” before a word that begins with vowel letter. Same pattern, same explanation, same error!

If you fall into this category even as an adult, the ship is full and you’re not alone.
So, here’s the truth – the correct usage depends on the sound of the word. Let’s break it down:

• Use “a” before words that start with a “consonant sound”.
• Use “an” before words that start with a “vowel sound”.

Examples:

1. She is a unique entity. (The “u” in “unique” makes a “y” sound, which is a consonant sound).
2. An honest opinion… (The “h” in “honest” is silent, making the first sound a vowel sound).
3. A European country… (The “E” in “European” makes a “y” sound, which is a consonant sound).

Don’t worry if you’ve been making these mistakes – we all learn everyday!