a voluntary service vs an voluntary service

The correct phrase is 'a voluntary service.' The use of 'a' is correct because the word 'voluntary' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a' is used before it. 'An' is used before words that start with a vowel sound.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 561 views

This phrase is correct. 'A' is used before words that start with a consonant sound.

"a voluntary service "

Use 'a' before words that start with a consonant sound, like 'voluntary.' This helps with the flow of the sentence.

Examples:

She signed up for a voluntary service at the local shelter.
He offered a voluntary service to help with the community project.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mr President, is a voluntary service still a valid proposition in our society?
Yet, despite that, the need is still felt, since we are creating a voluntary service at European level and the number of young candidates far outweighs the number of opportunities available.
of a voluntary service open to all, unpaid, freely undertaken, educational (non-formal learning aspect) and bringing added social value;
an economic activity in an employed or self-employed capacity, or to perform a voluntary service, or to study
encouraging solidarity through the promotion of a voluntary service for young people aged 18 to 25, -encouraging the participation of young people in the construction of Europe through youth exchanges and, finally, -encouraging a spirit of enterprise and creativity amongst young people.
Ensure the possibility for manufacturers to get pre-launch advice, as a voluntary service to companies, in advance of marketing a product or investing in a product, as well as the possibility to get advice on marketing campaigns before their actual launch.

Alternatives:

a service that is voluntary
a service offered voluntarily
a service provided on a voluntary basis
a service that relies on volunteers
a service that depends on volunteers

This phrase is incorrect. 'An' is used before words that start with a vowel sound, not a consonant sound like 'voluntary.'

"an voluntary service "

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a voluntary service vs an voluntary service