Which one is correct?
"a police officer" or "an police officer"?

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a police officer

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "a police officer" when referring to a law enforcement official.

Examples:

  • I saw a police officer on the street.
  • She wants to become a police officer when she grows up.

Alternatives:

  • a law enforcement officer
  • a cop
  • an officer of the law
  • a member of the police force
  • a constable

an police officer

This phrase is incorrect in English. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, not a consonant sound like "police."

The correct phrase is "a police officer." The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while the article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. Since "police" starts with a consonant sound, we use "a" in this case.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

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