why, for example, there is AN HONEST GIRL and not A HONEST GIRL

[dawid1223]

Hi, there There is one thing I can't figure out. Articles a/an are for countable nouns and that everyone knows. But i can't figure out why, for example, there is AN HONEST GIRL and not A HONEST GIRL. I know that the H in HONEST is silent but honest is an adjective and girl is a noun in this case.So the article to my way of thinking should be 'attached' to the noun which is girl. Anyone can help me out?

 

[Tarheel]

There is a girl. She is an honest girl.

Please tell me how you would do that differently.

(Say: "Can anyone help me?")

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi, there. There is one thing I can't figure out. The articles "a/an" are for countable nouns and that everyone knows that. But However, I can't figure out why, for example, there is we say "an honest girl" and not "a honest girl". I know that the H "h" in HONEST "honest" is silent but "honest" is an adjective and "girl" is a noun. in this case. So the article to my way of thinking I think the article should be 'attached' to the noun which is "girl. Can anyone can help me out?

I think you've completely misunderstood how we choose between "a" and "an". We choose solely based on the sound of the first letter of the next word. It doesn't matter if the next word is a noun or an adjective (or anything else).

An elephant
An honest elephant
A massive elephant

A dog
An honest dog
A massive dog

 

[teechar]

.. but "honest" is an adjective and "girl" is a noun, in this case.S so the article to my way of thinking should be 'attached' to the noun which is "girl". Can anyone can help me out?

Look at the first word in the noun phrase (not just the noun).
A highly respectable girl
An honest and reliable girl
An easygoing girl
etc
[ cross-posted]

 

[Tdol]

An egg
A European

 

[dawid1223]

Thanks everyone, I've just found this in a book with a clear description of it and your explanations were helpful too.
Have a nice day