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a file vs an file

The correct phrase is "a file." The use of "a" is determined by the sound that follows it, not the actual letter. Since "file" starts with a consonant sound, we use "a" before it.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1809 views

a file

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "a file" when referring to a file that starts with a consonant sound. The choice of "a" or "an" is based on the sound that follows, not the actual letter.

Examples:

  • I need a file for the presentation.
  • She saved a file on her computer.
  • Please send me a file as soon as possible.
  • Ask confirmation for deleting a file.
  • Open a file from a local folder.
  • The Member State concerned shall forward a file to the Commission.
  • The Member State concerned shall forward a file concerning the project to the Commission.
  • You must select a file or a folder.
  • If checked, use a file or a color as background.
  • We have a file on a Lasse Ljandi.
  • I discovered a file about a Societele project called Socrates.
  • Open file Opens a file for editing.
  • Read the key from a file.
  • Mr Antoine has sent a file to the Commission, requesting an interpretation.
  • View a file in ASCII or hexadecimal format simultaneously.
  • Edit a file in either ASCII or hexadecimal format.
  • Shows GHex main window before you open a file.
  • How to handle embedded color profiles when opening a file.
  • Write the selected error messages to a file
  • The filename you entered is not a suitable name for a file.
  • This will save the contents of the zoom window to a file.
  • A folder or a file named %1 already exists.
  • Writes given string to a file.

Alternatives:

  • a document
  • a folder
  • a report
  • a spreadsheet
  • a photo

an file

This phrase is incorrect in English. The use of "an" is reserved for words that start with a vowel sound.

  • Audio alarms play an audio file without displaying any alarm message.
  • Forging an intelligence file is always tricky.
  • New File Creates an empty file.
  • An empty file with the cross-check flag should be sent subsequently.
  • Applicants must submit an application file containing the following:
  • An electronic file may replace the hard copy.
  • An empty file with the cross-check flag should be subsequently sent.
  • Shows GHex main window with an open file
  • Saves the zoomed view to an image file.
  • Unload a set of values described in an XML file.
  • List sections containing resources in an elf FILE
  • Apply the changes contained in the hunks to an original file.
  • Please select an archive file that should be imported.
  • Open an image file in Nautilus.
  • You need to define an output file or select the viewer.
  • Specify an arc file to be plotted against the background stars.
  • An older file named '%1 'already exists.
  • An object is an embeddable file, in one of many formats.
  • Cannot create a preview of an empty file list.
  • Exports the plotted graphs to an image file.

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