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Do you find yourself confused by the usage of A vs. An? Check out this post and commit these tips to memory!

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Today’s Writing With Style post is going to be a quickie! I see children and adults alike struggle with the usage of article adjectives “a” and “an”. Which word precedes a singular noun and when? Most of the time in conversation, the right word comes naturally. However, writing can be another story. I promise it’s really not that complicated though. If you can remember these simple rules, you’ll be set for life!

A vs. An

Article adjective “A”

Use article adjective “a” to precede a singular noun when the noun in question begins with a consonant or consonant sound.

Example: a box, a dog, a vacation of a lifetime

I think the is where most people get confused. The common misconception is that singular nouns that start with a consonant are preceded with “a”, while those beginning with a vowel are preceded with “an”. However, it’s the beginning sound that matters. If a word begins with a vowel that has a consonant sound, precede it with “a”.

Example: a university, a eulogy, a eucalyptus plant

Related: Writing With Style: Three Grammar Quick Fixes

Article adjective “An”

Using the article adjective “an” is essentially the opposite of “a”. A word that begins with a vowel sound should be preceded with “an”.

Example: an orange, an apple, an exotic bird

Related: 3 Things Teachers Can’t Live Without During the School Year

The same rule applies to acronyms that begin with a vowel sound.

Example: an NSA officer, an FCC investigation

Question: Do you find yourself wrestling with “a” and “an” while writing?

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