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  • Category: Improve Your English
    Points:5

    A or An, which is to be used?

    How to select a suitable article?

    The choice of the article will generally depend on the phonetic quality of the first letter in a word. We all know that If the first letter makes a vowel-type sound, we have to use "an". if the first letter makes a consonant-type sound, we have to use "a." These are the basic rules but some exemptions may be there.

    An exemption is an is used before a silent or unfounded h. For example, he is an honest man is correct and he is a honest man is wrong. U even though is a vowel it sounds like y. In such cases, we use a before the words that start with u also. For example, we call a union but not an union. This is what I learned in English grammar.

    Please let me know whether we have to use a or an before award/Prize. On one of the pages of ISC, it was mentioned as ' a award/prize'. But I feel it is 'an award/prize'. There are many English scholars on this website. I request them to clear my doubts.
  • #779133

    Points:4
    Though there are some general rules for placing a or an before a word but it is more in pronunciation/phonetic basis and if sound is pertaining to a, e, i, o , u then an is used otherwise a is used. Even if emphasis is not on first letter of the word then based on second letter a or an is used.
    Some examples are - An hotel, An historical novel, An enemy, A one-rupee note, etc.
    As per the query posted in above post I also feel that the mentioned use should be 'an award/prize' and not 'a award/prize'.
    Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

  • #779151

    Points:3
    As per the rules mentioned in English grammer, we have to put 'an' before the words starting with a, e, i, o, and u.
    But there are some issues with the pronunciation of the words by the native people in English speaking countries and accordingly 'an' can be used in many more places where the pronunciation suggests vowel sound. We see those words as exceptions but for native people that type of usage is a common thing.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #779155

    Points:1
    Thank you Umesh for your input. I agree with you that there are some issues and I tried to mention them in my post. But you have not mentioned your view on my doubt regarding a award/prize or an award/prize. Which is correct.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #779792

    Points:1
    This is a doubt I have and I thought senior Editors or Managing Editor may clarify my doubt. I think this has not caught the attention of these seniors. Let me wait for their clarification.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #779800

      

    Points:2
    In the normal course, it should be 'an award'. Which is the ISC page that you are referring to? Please let us know so that in case of a mistake, it can be corrected.

    The ME or the editors would have taken note had you made it clear in the title that your doubt is related to a mention in the ISC pages and not just a general clarification.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #779803

    Points:3
    I know that generally editors will respond if it is a question related to ISC. But as the thread is about English grammar, it may create some interest in the editors also and clarify my doubts I thought. Anyhow mistake is mine as I have not mentioned the page. I regret for the same. I give below the link for that page.

    Top Performers

    You can refer to 3rd line on that page.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #779808

      

    Points:1
    Got it. Will get the needful done. Thanks for the information.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #779809

      

    Points:1
    DR.N.V. Srinivasa Rao,

    The grammatical mistake is noted and will be corrected soon.
    regards,
    Tony John
    Webmaster - IndiaStudyChannel.com

  • #779820

    Points:2
    Thank Tony John, Webmaster. Your response is highly appreciated and I sincerely tell you that I am bringing out these points for the notice of all to see that our site will not have any glaring mistakes.
    drrao
    always confident


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