[Grammar] Article an / a

[emeraude]

Hi,

I have a question about using "an".

I've seen these sentences written on several sites.
Which is correct?

He is an RSPCA inspector.
He is a RSPCA inspector.

He is an university student.
He is a university student.

Thank you for help!
emeraude

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi,

I have a question about using "an".

I've seen these sentences written on several sites.
Which is correct?

He is an RSPCA inspector. Correct.
He is a RSPCA inspector. Incorrect.

He is an university student. Incorrect.
He is a university student. Correct.

Thank you for help!
emeraude

With the first example, you have to think about the sound of that first letter of the acronym. The letter "R" is pronounced like "are", so it begins with a vowel sound, therefore takes "an".

In the second example, the first sound of "university" sounds like "You", which is a non-vowel sound, so takes "a".

The trick is to not look at the actual letter, but to think about the sound of that letter.

 

[Nightmare85]

emsr2d2 is fully right :up:

Maybe this thread could help you too:
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/frequently-asked-questions/123560-nightmare85s-alphabet.html
(I don't want to boost it, but I really believe it could help you very much )

Cheers!

 

[emeraude]

Thank you to you both for the fast response.
The information was very helpful.
emeraude