When do you pronounce...

When do you pronounce...

1. An

   • We use it when the adjective or noun starts with a vowel sound, even if it is written as a consonant.
     • EXAMPLES: An honest man An IOU An apple

2. A

   • Is pronounced unstressed as ER
   • We use it when the adjective or noun starts with a consonant sound.
     • EXAMPLE: A pen is best. You should use a ball-point or a fountain pen.
   • And if we wish to stress it, we can pronounce it as ay, as in say, though this is rather unusual
     • EXAMPLE: It was a magnificent achievement!

3. The

   • Also the is used before a noun or an adjective beginning with a consonant or a consonant sound. Is pronounced with an er sound, as in mother.
     • EXAMPLE: The bank and the post office are in the High Street next to the university building.
   • We use it before a noun or adjective beginning with a vowel or a vowel sound. Is pronounced with an e sound, as in bee and tea
     • EXAMPLE: In the ark, the angry ants, the antelopes, the elephants and the unhappy hippos all knew that the hour had come.