[Grammar] how to use an in enligsh

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Ahmad Safwat

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We use 'an' before the single noun or adjective when the first letter is a,o,e,i .

example : I had an offensive criticism yesterday .
 

jerry081958

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I would add this note. Use 'an' before a noun or adjective that begins with a VOWEL SOUND, not just a vowel. Examples:

I waited for an hour. (The 'h' in hour is not pronounced, so it begins with a vowel sound. Use 'an' with hour.)

I will transfer to a university next year. (University begins with a vowel letter, but it pronounced with a starting /j/ or 'y' consonant sound. So, use 'a'.)
 

jerry081958

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We use 'an' before the single noun or adjective when the first letter is a,o,e,i .

example : I had an offensive criticism yesterday .

You are right generally. Offensive does begin with a vowel sound. However, criticism is not a 'countable' noun in English. So, you can't receive 'a criticism'. I would say:

I got/received some offensive criticism yesterday. :)
 

Ahmad Safwat

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You are right generally. Offensive does begin with a vowel sound. However, criticism is not a 'countable' noun in English. So, you can't receive 'a criticism'. I would say:

I got/received some offensive criticism yesterday. :)


Yes my teacher thanks :up::-D
 
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