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Dina Lee

Sep 25, 2012 - 9:12PM

Question about the use of "a" or "an" in front of a word begining with "H"

Would you write,... "a Hawaiian cruise" or "an Hawaiian cruise"?

Oct 1, 2012 - 1:36PM

Re: Question about the use of "a" or "an" in front of a word begining with "H"

You have a choice.

Here's the score with "an or a historic":

AN HISTORICAL OR A HISTORICAL?

Letters and sounds do not always correlate in English.

When pronouncing the words 'historic' and 'historical', the accent falls on the second syllable, and many pronounce them as starting with a vowel. For those people, it is appropriate to use 'an' before 'historic' and 'historical'. Therefore, you have a choice depending on what sounds best for you. There is a lot of leniency on this issue. If you're still unsure, opt for 'a historical' and 'a historic' as these remain preferable - especially in formal writing.

emily

Oct 3, 2012 - 7:07PM

Re: Question about the use of "a" or "an" in front of a word begining with "H"

ok, my teacher always told me that the only time you would use "an" is if the world starts with a vowel. so you would you "a" if the world starts with h. hope that helps.