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an official vs a official

The use of "an" before a word starting with a vowel sound is a rule in English grammar. In this case, the word "official" starts with a vowel sound, so it should be preceded by "an."
Michele A. profile picture

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 28, 2024 • 15439 views

an official

This phrase is correct in English. The use of "an" before a word starting with a vowel sound is a rule in English grammar.

Use "an official" when referring to a person holding a position of authority or responsibility.

Examples:

  • She is an official representative of the company.
  • He was appointed as an official in the government.
  • An official statement was released by the organization.
  • The team met with an official from the embassy.
  • As an official member of the committee, she had voting rights.
  • I once worked for them as an official consultant.
  • I'm an official of the Parish Council.
  • Today, an official mascot for protest voters.
  • Harvey's been refused an official service.
  • Evie Pritchard's made an official complaint against Gill.
  • This not an official custody hearing.
  • Detective capello said we can't issue an official advisory.
  • The chieftain will need an official rhino keeper.
  • He insisted on filing an official report.
  • Because it needed an official uniform.
  • I received an official written reply from the Commission.
  • Seal the room for an official investigation.
  • The observance of Independence Day, an official anniversary...
  • The Helsinki Council made Turkey an official candidate country.
  • Sometimes these areas have an official status that stipulates their management.
  • Applications must be in an official community language.
  • They managed to get the Pilar designated an official Q-boat for destroying German submarines.
  • I guess I just needed an official confirmation.
  • Sources have been unable to get an official statement From the Vice-President as of yet.
  • - This is not an official negotiation.

Alternatives:

  • a representative
  • a government official
  • a formal statement
  • a diplomatic official
  • a committee member

a official

This phrase is incorrect in English. The article "a" should not be used before a word starting with a vowel sound like "official."

  • Should we just release a official statement?
  • a Official Commission standard rates for 'Per Diems' covering accommodation, meals, local travel within the place of mission and sundry expenses [5];h 1
  • Victim is a state official, judge Logan Patterson.
  • Free trading, assaulting a customs official.
  • Especially when one victim was a government official.
  • The assassination reduced the President to a transient official.
  • - confirmed the death of a security official.
  • I gather your opponent is a government official.
  • For Attempting To Bribe A Public Official.
  • Mailing threatening letters to a government official is a serious offense.
  • A law official or a prisoner living in jail.
  • Impersonating a military official is a federal offense, numnuts.
  • In its reply, the Commission informed the Ombudsman that in September 2000, out of a total of 5710 category A officials, 106 were working part-time of whom 87 were women.
  • What two grade-A officials can do here, 600 grade-A officials in the Commission are unable to manage!
  • We made a recording of a secret meeting between what we know was a government official and a black marketeer.
  • No, they sent a junior official, a member of the DFID's - quote - "knowledge-sharing on special initiatives unit".
  • What it could not do was to declare null and void an act delivered before a public official of a Member State.
  • Subject: Employment of a European official by a consultancy advising Microsoft
  • I noticed a decrepit customs official...
  • Nothing justifies a reduction in official development assistance.

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