Help? Is it "a universal" or "an universal"?

Question

I know that universal starts with a vowel so an would typically be used. But is universal an exception of some sort, because "a universal"

i meant to say "a universal" just sounds better.

Answer 1

It is "A universal".
Even though the word begins with a vowel, it is spoken with a consonant in front - like Yuniversal. Because of the pronunciation, it follows the rules of words that start with a consonant.

Answer 2

It would be "an universal" if the word was pronounced "unniversal". But since it is pronounced "yooniversal", an is not appropriate. In the case of "yooniversal" the y is not a vowel, it is a consonant. (Remember the good ol kindergarten days: a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y.)

Answer 3

When the 'u' has a 'long u' sound it's pronounced with a 'y' sound at the beginning, which is effectively a consonant. Thus:

a universal
a ukelele
a unicorn

an umbrella
an ugly duckling
an ultimatum

Bonus points: Write a one-page short story using all of the above.

Answer 4

Exception to the rule is that a long U sound will be introduced with the indefinite article "A" not "An".

A uniform.
A unicorn.
An umbrella.
A universal remote.
An underwear accident.

Answer 5

I think that it is a universal, it sounds better

Answer 6

I think it is a universal

Answer 7

"a universal"

Answer 8

it's a universal. I am sure of it. I asked my teacher on day. I am writing a screen play. all grammer rules have exceptions like "a universal" insted of "an universal" That and I saw click. "Can I have A UNIVERSAL remote control please?" -Adam Sandler Click

Answer 9

i would think a universal

Answer 10

it still followzs the vowel rule of what i know of but hey i might be wrong sry if i couldnt help out more cya!