Matt39 Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 Is it an historian? or A historian? I know the a vs an rule and how an should only preceed a vowel, but I always say an historian. Is that wrong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
war ensemble Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 The form "an" for the indefinite article is used before a spoken vowel sound. Therefore, if you pronounce the word historian as "istorian" than you should be using an. If you pronounce "historian" with an audible "h" then you should put it as a historian. Same rule applies for any noun, such as a hotel if you pronounce it the modern way, etc. Nouns such as honour, however, should be used in the term "an honour". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetophile Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 I do believe both are correct, but I can't recall why (specific rule). Like 'an herbalist'. EDIT: Whoops! What he said (prior post). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 War ensemble has it right. "An historian" is a silly affectation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidhuman Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 Like the I before E rule when it comes to their. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryK Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 The form "an" for the indefinite article is used before a spoken vowel sound. Therefore, if you pronounce the word historian as "istorian" than you should be using an. If you pronounce "historian" with an audible "h" then you should put it as a historian. Same rule applies for any noun, such as a hotel if you pronounce it the modern way, etc. Nouns such as honour, however, should be used in the term "an honour". Agreed, except for the Howard Cosell rule. He was exempt. "Never in sports has there been such an historic athletic undertaking..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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