a or an?

When do we use ​and an?

We use a and an to refer to something in general.

- I want baby.

child fell down the street.

- He is eating an apple.

- They passed university.

An hour went by.

 

The difference is that we use an with words that start with a vowel sound.

That means that the word does not need to start with a vowel, just with a vowel sound.

 

Examples of words that start with a vowel but where we use a:

a university

a unity

- euro

- unicorn

 

Examples of words that don't start with a vowel but do use an:

an hour

an honest (man)

 

We choose wether to use or an by looking at the first word that follows. 

For example:

 That is a baby.

 That is an annoying baby.

Or

 Look! An animal!

 Look! A beautiful animal!