"a healthy" vs "an healthy"

Question

"a healthy" vs "an healthy"

In British English, some words that start with an "h" can use the indefinite article "an" instead of "a." However, this only happens when the first syllable is unstressed, as in "an historic." In this case, the first syllable is stressed, so the correct article would always be "a," not "an." (This does not apply in American English, where the article "a" is used with words like "historic.")

Last Updated: December 10, 2017

You case use this phrase when talking about a substance or behavior that is healthy.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some examples from our editors:

I try to follow a healthy lifestyle.
That's a healthy choice.
That's not a healthy option.

Some alternatives from our editors:

a wholesome

In British English, you can sometimes use the indefinite article "an" in front of a word that starts with "h," but only when the first syllable of the second word is unstressed (for example, "an historic event:). This is never done in American English. In any case, "an healthy" would be incorrect in both cases, because the first syllable of "healthy" is stressed. Therefore, you would need to say "a healthy."

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some alternatives from our editors:

a healthy

Answer 1

a healthy

This is correct

Answer 2

an healthy

This is not correct. Don't use this phrase.

"a healthy" vs "an healthy"

a healthy

an healthy

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