We were always taught to use the word "an" in front of words that start with a vowel. Then why is that "an urologist" doesn't sound grammatically correct, but it sounds right in front of uptown or umbrella?
2006-12-01 11:03:22 · 12 answers · asked by Kristy 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
You use an before words that start with a vowel SOUND. The key word here is sound. If the u words starts with a y (consonant) sound, you use a, not an. Same goes for words with a silent consonant before the vowel, like honor - an honor is how you say it. Heir, heiress, and heirloom also have 'an' before them. It is grammatically incorrect to do otherwise.
2006-12-02 22:04:53 · answer #1 · answered by Jeannie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When pronounced in words like 'umbrella', it is right because the 'u' sound is pronounced as a vowel, whereas in words like 'urologist', it begins with a 'y' sound, and this isn't accepted as a vowel, so 'an' isn't necessary in these cases.
2006-12-01 20:23:54 · answer #2 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An does not sound right in front of some vowels because the vowel doesn't have a vowel sound in that word. Example: He is a European.
2006-12-01 19:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Max 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
True.. in a number of words.. the word "an" does sound awkward in front of a word beginning with "u"... Some are OK though.. as in An uncle:... but NOT so with AN UNIT of salt... but the rule is "an" before words that begin with a "u"
2006-12-01 20:21:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because the first sound of urologist or unicorn or union is actually 'y'. Thus people say a unicorn, etc.
2006-12-01 19:06:33 · answer #5 · answered by sueflower 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There are "u" words that require the word "an" before them,
such as up. IE: an up hill battle, or an under coating. It all depends on which word or words used.
2006-12-01 19:15:01 · answer #6 · answered by ageless 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It does sound right to me because an umbrella tackled me see
2006-12-01 19:18:40 · answer #7 · answered by Maddie G 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because in that word the u is pernounced as a y, and you dont use an for words that begin with y
2006-12-01 19:07:12 · answer #8 · answered by somegirl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"U" has two ways when said at the start of a word. "Uniform" starts with a "Y" sound, so would be preceded by "A", but "uninviting" starts with an "uh" sound, so would be preceded by "AN".
2014-10-28 07:49:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
-an underground railroad
-an umbrealla
-an understatement
-an uplifting moment
HOWEVER
an utility building??
She's living in an uptown apartment??
2006-12-01 20:56:41 · answer #10 · answered by LADY ~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋