0
"I was taught, 55 years ago, an is used if the beginning letter is a vowel, vowel sound or an H."
Today, we do not automatically use "an" in front of an "H", even though I just did it there! For instance, I would say "She has a home", not "She has an home".
"An" or the long a sound (ay) is appropriate when a word begins with a vowel SOUND. When a word begins with a consonant sound, the sound of "a" is a schwa, and "an" cannot be used. For example, the expression "an hour" is correct because the initial sound of the word is a vowel sound. In regions of the English-speaking world where the initial sound of "historic" is a short "i" sound, the use of "an" before "historic" would be correct, as in Cockney English. However, in most of the USA, the initial sound of "historic" is a consonant sound, "h," and so it is correct to say "a historic day," or "a historic moment."
The original post also said 55 years ago "an is used if the beginning letter is a vowel," but this is no longer as much of a rule as it once was. We do not say "an university" because even though the word begins with a vowel, the sound of the "u" in that word is the sound of a consonant, the same consonant in 'yak."
I am 68 and a former English teacher who has taught in several different countries as well as the USA. A lot of the "rules" we learned decades ago were simplified by our teachers for us to learn more easily. However, as we develop, we sometimes discover that the rules are more complex and even have occasional exceptions. Once example of this is the "i" before "e" except after "c" rule--which later had added a secondary rule "or when sounded like "a" as in neighbor and weigh (or sleigh)." Even this new, improved rule had other exceptions: science, weird, seize, either/neither, leisure, sheik, financier--as well as all comparatives and superlatives of words that end that end in a "c" followed by "y": e.g., fancier, fanciest.
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
When using a or an in a sentence what are some exceptions to the rule?
I don't know if there are exceptions to the rule, but sometimes you can go either way with words that start with an "H," so for example you might say "It was an historical event," or you might say "It was a historical event."
How do you say What should I say in Yoruba language?
You say "What should I say?" in Yoruba language of the Western African origin as "Kini kinso?".
How many words should a 2 year old know?
By the age of 2, children typically know around 50 words, although this can vary widely from child to child. Some children may know more or fewer words at this age, and what's more important is their overall language development and ability to communicate effectively.
How do you say we should go in french?
To say "we should go" in French, you would say "nous devrions partir."
Should you say this week has flown past quickly or flew past quickly?
You should say "has flown past quickly".
Should you say an historical or a historical?
The second one.
How do you say 'historical' in Estonian?
Ajalooline
How do you say historical in french?
historique
Is it correct to say an historical building or a historical building?
a historical building. a is for consonants an is for vowels. an apple. an elephant. a box. a sheep
Where is the historical picture on big nate island?
The historical photo is blowing in the wind by the left side of the lighthouse. Climb up and jump to catch it. (You should take it to the "Say Cheese" photo shop.) (see related question)
How do you get the historical photo on Big Nate Island?
The historical photo is blowing in the wind by the left side of the lighthouse. Climb up and jump to catch it. (You should take it to the "Say Cheese" photo shop.) (see related question
How do you say 'historical' in Bulgarian?
istoricheski....исторически
How do you you say historical in spanish?
Histórico
How do you say 'the cities are historical' in spanish?
The spanish translation for :The Cities are Historical" is: Las ciudades son históricas.
What does it mean when you say historical value?
historical value means that it is very expensive because it is very old.
How do you use historical research in a sentence?
You should do some historical research about World War 1.
What significant historical world events occurred from 2000-2008 i?
i would say i would say
