/AN - Lesson on Articles
WHEN TO USE -A-
Use a if the next word begins with a consonant SOUND.
This is a sound rule, NOT a spelling rule.
a box
a cat
a university (university begins with a consonant sound)
a unicorn (unicorn begins with a consonant sound)
a European trip (European begins with a consonant sound)
a hotel (hotel begins with a consonant sound)
WHEN TO USE -AN-
Use AN if the next word begins with a vowel SOUND.
This is a sound rule, NOT a spelling rule.
an atom
an entrance
an ice cream cone
an uncle (uncle begins with a vowel sound)
an hour (the h is silent, thus a vowel sound)