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an
AN
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1
The form of "a" used before a word that starts with a vowel sound.
"She adopted an old dog from the shelter."
"He asked for an hour to finish the report."
How to Use An
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishJust "a" adjusted for pronunciation before vowel sounds.
Memory tip
It depends on the sound, not the letter: "an hour" (silent h) but "a university" (starts with a "y" sound).
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
an apple
an idea
an hour
Word Forms
ans plural
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Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She adopted _____ old dog from the shelter.
Etymology
From Old English an, meaning "one" — the same root that gave us the number "one."