Home / How to pronounce the word 'an' and what does it mean?

How to pronounce the word 'an' and what does it mean?

an

noun

How to pronounce an?

The word an sounds like a--n-
/ɑn/

What is the definition of an?

nounan associate degree in nursing

What is the meaning of the word 'an'?

  • 'An' is an indefinite article in English. It is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

How is the word 'an' used in a sentence?

  • 'An' is used before singular countable nouns and noncount nouns that begin with a vowel sound. Example: An apple, an hour.

What are some examples of words that are preceded by 'an'?

  • Some examples of words that are preceded by 'an' are apple, hour, umbrella, orange, simple, honest, and unique.

Can 'an' be used before a word that starts with a consonant sound?

  • No, 'an' is only used before words that begin with a vowel sound. For words that start with a consonant sound, 'a' is used instead.

Is 'an' always used before words starting with vowels?

  • No, 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. It is not strictly based on the letter but the sound. For example, we say 'an hour' because 'hour' begins with a vowel sound (/aʊər/), even though it starts with the letter 'h'.

What is the plural form of 'an'?

  • 'An' does not have a plural form. It is always used with singular nouns.

Can 'an' be used before an uncountable noun?

  • Yes, 'an' can be used before uncountable nouns if they start with a vowel sound. For example, 'an orange'. However, uncountable nouns are usually used without any article.

Is there a difference between 'a' and 'an'?

  • 'A' and 'an' both function as indefinite articles, but 'a' is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

Can 'an' be used before a word that starts with a silent 'h'?

  • Yes, 'an' can be used before a word that starts with a silent 'h'. It depends on the sound that follows the 'h'. If the word begins with a vowel sound after the silent 'h', 'an' is used. For example, 'an hour' (pronounced /aʊər/), and 'an honest person' (pronounced /ɒnɪst/).

Is there any other use of the word 'an'?

  • The word 'an' is primarily used as an indefinite article. However, in some cases, it can also be used as a short form of 'and' in informal writing, such as in the phrase 'an apple and a banana'.