American English

How to pronounce an

determinerA1Very common word
AAN

/æn/

One syllable.

Used before one person or thing when you mean one, but not a particular one, and the next word begins with a vowel sound.

What to listen for

“An” is usually reduced to “uhn” (/ən/) in natural connected speech before a vowel sound. Use “an” (/æn/) when emphasizing the word or saying it by itself.

Strong form/æn/
Reduced form/ən/
Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

determiner

Used before one person or thing when you mean one, but not a particular one, and the next word begins with a vowel sound.

I need an umbrella.

She is an excellent doctor.

Good to know

Use an before a vowel sound, not simply before a vowel letter: an hour, but a university.

Common phrases & grammar

an idea · an example · an answer · an hour

an + singular noun

an + adjective + singular noun