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Re: [OM] English usage clarification

Subject: Re: [OM] English usage clarification
From: Charles Geilfuss <charles.geilfuss@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2010 09:50:49 -0400
  As I understand it, the use of a/an depends on the sound  of the word it
precedes. If it is a vowel sound use "an"; if it is a consonant sound use
"a". Examples: an elephant, a car. The word unique begins with a vowel but
it is pronounced as a "y" so it gets an "a" for the indefinite article. Same
for "a euphemism".

Charlie

On Wed, Jul 7, 2010 at 9:24 AM, Chris Barker <ftog@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I reckon that "an" is used for verbal convenience, and what sounds
> contorted might well be incorrect.
>
> But what's that comma doing there?
>
> Chris
>
> On 7 Jul 2010, at 09:41, Wayne Harridge wrote:
>
> >  just read this:
> >
> > "...the parking lot, is an unique observation tower with..."
> >
> > I'm wondering if "an unique" is correct, doesn't sound right to me, "an
> > excellent" works, but "a unique" seems correct.
> >
> > I always thought the rule was "an" before a word starting with a vowel,
> but
> > what about "an unique" ?
>
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