In grammar we were taught that you us the article "an" before words that begin with vowels and "a" before words that begin with consonants. However, I've noticed that when it comes to some words that begin with a/an U the article used it "a". Some examples are: a University, a Union etc. What is the rule? Also, does that same rule apply when pronouncing "the (thee)" before a word that begins with a vowel? Is it "the University" or "the (thee) University"? "The Union" or "the (thee) Union)? All help is appreciated. Thank you.
2007-01-17 01:13:35 · 4 answers · asked by BarbKor 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Yes, it is the same rule. If the noun begins with the semi-vowel sound "y", the pronunciation changes. Watch out for acronyms (UN, UNESCO etc) which start with the same sound.
Some traditional English speakers (BBC announcers) say an hotel, but almost no one else!
2007-01-17 01:30:33 · answer #1 · answered by geof24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
vowel sound matters. Union sounds like initial sound is Y hence "a". "the" is a definite article as the teacher said (not a teacher) notice the difference! (not a difference).
2007-01-17 01:30:35 · answer #2 · answered by ari-pup 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(thee) University, is correct . In English grammar there are exceptions to the rules, so you cannot follow any one rule blindly.
2007-01-17 01:26:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont knoe
2007-01-17 01:27:02 · answer #4 · answered by Cool Sayali 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋