Which is correct:
"an hour" or "a hour"?

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an hour

This is the correct construction in English. The article 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

Use 'an hour' when referring to a period of 60 minutes. The article 'an' is used because 'hour' begins with a vowel sound.

Examples:

  • I'll be there in an hour.
  • It takes an hour to drive to the city.

Alternatives:

  • one hour
  • a single hour
  • a full hour
  • a complete hour
  • a whole hour

a hour

This is an incorrect construction in English. The article 'a' should not be used before words that begin with a vowel sound like 'hour.'

The correct phrase is 'an hour.' The article 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while 'a' is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. In this case, 'hour' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is the correct choice.

Last updated: March 06, 2024

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