a river vs an river

The correct phrase is "a river." The use of the indefinite article "a" before "river" is correct because the word "river" begins with a consonant sound. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2627 views

This is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

"a river "

Use "a river" when referring to a river that starts with a consonant sound. The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

Examples:

I went for a swim in a river near my house.
There is a river flowing through the valley.

Show examples from the web [+]

And then she drove her car into a river.
Time is a river... and the Turk has walked upstream.
Bishop Dutson, his wife and child lying slaughtered by Indians beside a river.
I rented an apartment near a river that reminded me of home.
There's not supposed to be a river here.
Not even to stop them walking into a river.
It just flowed like a river.
We found your car submerged in a river in Harford County, Maryland.
We could maybe go find a river to stand in.
My heart is a river in flood.
And there's a river, here, underground.
Next morning, they found her in a river near campus.
You reach a river in the forest.
After the rain, it's a river.
You go down a river... in tubes.
You will drown in a river of blood.
One, a stream smaller than a river.
Here is a river leading to the Mississippi.
There's a river about a half mile down.
The Internet's a river of information.

Alternatives:

a stream
a creek
a brook
a canal
a waterway

This is incorrect. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, not a consonant sound.

"an river"

Incorrect usage. The correct form is "a river" because the word "river" starts with a consonant sound.

Show examples from the web [+]

I encountered a natural barrier - a sheer cliff, an impassable river.
Crickley Hall was built on top of an underground river.
We've literally consumed an entire river in North America for irrigation.
It's an amazonian river dolphin for sure.
Imagine an idyilic river of bacteria.
There's an underground river there.
You done slid down a razor blade and landed in an alcohol river.
Poppea is a stream and you are an impetuous river.
No, an underground river under the Opera.
2. The assignment under paragraph 1 of an international river basin or sub-basin or stretches of coastline of an international river basin district, shall be coordinated between the Member States concerned.
The assignment under paragraph 1 of an international river basin or sub-basin or stretches of coastline of an international river basin district, shall be coordinated between the Member States concerned.
They say there's an enormous river, with water as dark as coal.
3. Where an eel river basin extends beyond the territory of the Community, the competence of any relevant regional fisheries organisation shall be respected.
Fairway information for an international river area should be given by one single dissemination point provided with data from the concerned competent authorities.
Sonia Gonzalez is an employee of River Road Cleaning.
This is an annual melting river.
There's an amazing river traveling through it, and you can see there how we manage to get across the river.
They were, I guess, drilling or doing whatever and they hit an underground river.
Does the well lead to an underground river?
an international river basin district, shall be coordinated between the Member States concerned.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

a river vs an river

"a river "

"an river"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text