English Is Weird. . .Vowel Version

We all know the rules, right? I’m talking about “a” vs “an.” You use “a” if the following word starts with a consonant. You use “an” if the following word starts with a vowel. It’s one of the simplest rules. Mostly because there are only 5 vowels.

No problem.

“A house.” (Because “h” is a consonant.) But, it’s an honor.

Wait, what? Sometimes it’s “an” before a consonant? But, vowels are easy; a, e, i, o ,u.

Okay, so it’s “an elephant.” Easy enough. Until it’s “a unicorn.” Really? the unicorn gets the “n”? We’ve got “an orange.” But, it’s “a ouija board.”

English is weird. Even the simple rules are complicated.

Stay safe

Rodney M Bliss is an author, columnist and IT Consultant. His blog updates every weekday. He lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with his lovely wife, thirteen children and grandchildren. Order Miscellany III A Collection of Holiday Short Stories, an anthology including his latest short story, “You Can Call Me Dan” here

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