"an old man" vs "a old man"

Question

"an old man" vs "a old man"

The correct phrase is 'an old man.' The use of 'an' before 'old man' is correct because 'old' starts with a vowel sound. 'A old man' is incorrect because 'a' is used before words that start with a consonant sound.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'an old man' when referring to an elderly male individual. The use of 'an' is correct because 'old' starts with a vowel sound.

Examples:

An old man walked slowly down the street.
She saw an old man feeding pigeons in the park.

Alternatives:

a senior man
an elderly man
a man of advanced age
a man in his later years
a man in his golden years

Answer 1

an old man

Correct. 'An old man' is the right construction because 'old' starts with a vowel sound.

Answer 2

a old man

Incorrect. 'A old man' is not a valid construction in English.

"an old man" vs "a old man"

an old man

a old man

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