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a useful word vs an useful word

The correct phrase is 'a useful word.' The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound that follows. In this case, 'useful' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a' is the correct article to use.

Last updated: April 13, 2024 • 351 views

This is the correct construction in English. The article 'a' is used before words that start with a consonant sound.

"a useful word"

Use 'a' before words that start with a consonant sound. In this case, 'useful' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a useful word' is correct.

Examples:

  • A useful tool
  • A useful tip
  • A useful resource
  • A useful book
  • A useful technique
  • Jun 15, 2010 ... Prego - a useful word · It can be used to mean “You're welcome” or “Don't mention it” after someone has said “Thank you”. · A shopkeeper might use ...
  • Dec 5, 2022 ... While “y'all” is considered slang, it's a useful word nonetheless. The English language doesn't have a good second person plural pronoun; ...
  • Oct 27, 2010 ... It is a useful word and everyone knows what it means as a general referent. Problems arise when people confuse the useful descriptive term ...
  • Is it no longer a useful word (except as an insult)? Should we just jettison it? I don't think we should accept those conclusions. Two reasons leap out.
  • Jan 3, 2021 ... To my mind, 'woke' is a useful word. First, is 'woke' an insult? In the political and cultural spheres, there are many words that are ...
  • Apr 10, 2015 ... Snobbery seems to be costing the world a useful word. While most English speakers in South Asia are familiar with the word prepone, ...
  • Nov 5, 2015 ... Calumny is a useful word for libel, slander, defamation.

This construction is incorrect in English. The article 'an' is used before words that start with a vowel sound.

"an useful word"

Incorrect usage. 'An' is used before words that start with a vowel sound, not before words that start with a consonant sound.
  • Sep 13, 2016 ... Exonym is an useful word: It refers to the name given to a place or group of people by those outside of the place or group.
  • Great app for Arabic byzantine music lovers and who want to listen to an useful word and tipcon. 8 people found this review helpful.
  • Mar 19, 2021 ... And I learned an useful word to use the next time I am in France ... rebonjour! Especially at the super marche or Nicholas. Merci, Kristi.
  • In my opinion it is an useful word but it may be clarified once decided what meanings (=concepts) it could include, depending on what aspects of the ...
  • Feb 12, 2006 ... The verb, “to say” is an useful word in probably just about any language. However, 「言う」(いう), the Japanese word meaning “to say”, ...
  • Alexander Witt this is such an useful word what I use so often.. or would use if it would have a good translation. 5 yrs Report. Wi Alex, profile picture.
  • Mar 24, 2018 ... Yeonsu-Gu Language Class. Ama(do). Today's word is "Ama(do)". This is an useful word to know, meaning "perhaps or probably".
  • Jul 2, 2018 ... What does "adjust" and it's an useful word? mean? How to use the word "basically" in a sentence? What does "Ain'​t" and how to use it? mean?
  • Apr 10, 2018 ... Hahaha thanks fr enlighting us with such an useful word??! — Jahangir (@Jshipponian) April 10, 2018. Thank you Sir.

Alternatives:

  • an umbrella
  • an hour
  • an honor
  • an honest mistake
  • an heir

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