is "a historian" okay to say, or do I have to say "an historian"?

Answer 1

It all depends on whether you pronounce the "h" in your dialect of English. If the "h" is pronounced in your dialect of English, it is "a historian", but if the "h" is not pronounced in your dialect of English, it is "an historian".

Answer 2

A historian

Answer 3

I believe it's "an historian" I was taught, way back in the Dark Ages (60s) that is was proper to use "an" before words beginning with "h"

Things have changed, however, and I could be mistaken.

PS, I am AN historian, too!

Answer 4

A historian is correct. You only use "an" before nouns if the noun begins with a vowel or a vowel sound (such as the word honor, which begins with a silent "h" followed by the "o" sound). Since you can hear the "h" in historian, use "a" historian. Otherwise you'll just seem like you're trying to sound educated when you're really not.

Answer 5

Both are actually correct, though "an historian" sounds a bit more proper and educated and if you use it people will think you're really smart or just trying to sound smart. However, I'm a historian and I say I'm a historian, instead of saying "I'm an historian."

Answer 6

A Historian...

Answer 7

"a" historian is acceptable to say, but you may find "an" historian easier to say, particularly if you're a newscaster or some similar profession that has a lot to say in a limited amount of time. In writing, however, you should use "a" historian.

Answer 8

I believe "an historian" correct, but depending on which way you pronounce the"a" in "a historian" can be correct also. The long "a" sounds better.

Answer 9

I think it depends on whether or not you pronounce "historian" with a hard 'H' or if you don't pronounce the 'H' at all. I personally pronounce the 'H' and would would both say and write the words "a historian".

Answer 10

"An" is only supposed be used when the beginning letter of the next word i a vowel. So a historian is correct.

Answer 11

It's "a historian"