learning - "a" or "an" for words that don't start with vowels but sound like they're starting with a vowel



Is it correct to say or write an student or an store?



Answer



Always use an for words which sound like they start with a vowel, and always use a for words which sound like they start with a consonant. The rules for h are more complex, and it can be ok to use either.


The usage of the indefinite article preceding h are discussed here. In particular, look at nohat's response.


As for student and store, they should always be preceded with a and never with an, because they both start with the consonant /s/ when spoken.


Correct:



A student, a store



Incorrect:



An student, an store



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