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English Grammar


a/an

Carmelle
User since 2010
Posts: 7

3 Oct. 2011

In my lesson today ( try to find the English translation ) I had: " un syndicat ( de chauffeurs routiers ) = a union (of trucks drivers)
Why " a " instead " an " in front of the word " union " ? This noun is beginning with a vowel...?
Thanks!

4 comments

  • User since 2010
    Posts: 7

    5 Oct. 2011

    Thank you very much Andrew!
    Carmelle
  • User since 2010
    Posts: 7

    4 Oct. 2011

    Dear AhQ,


    Thank you very much for your help. I will check further as you suggest to me.
    Carmelle
  • User since 2010
    Posts: 7

    3 Oct. 2011

    In my lesson today ( try to find the English translation ) I had: " un syndicat ( de chauffeurs routiers ) = a union (of trucks drivers)
    Why " a " instead " an " in front of the word " union " ? This noun is beginning with a vowel...?
    Thanks!
  • User since 2006
    Posts: 2715

    4 Oct. 2011

    As a matter of fact, Carmelle, the first letter of 'union' is a vowel sounding like a consonant and therefore works as a consonant with the article a/an introducing it.
    a union
    a European citizen
    a university
    a UN representative
    a united front
    a utopia
    a one-night stay
    a user of the GymGlish
    a utensil
    ...
    Please note that, if the 'u' is linked to another letter to form a syllabe, the article 'an' fits.
    an unpleasant reply
    an unbiased opinion
    an urban district
    an uproar
    an ultimate power
    an usher (syllabe 'ush')
    ...
    Words beginning with a SILENT letter also use 'an'
    an hour
    an honourable position
    an honest man


    I'm nothing more than a student at the GymGlish, not a grammarian. So, Carmelle, you'd better check further.

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