"an overflow" vs "a overflow"

Question

"an overflow" vs "a overflow"

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

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use "an overflow" when referring to a situation where something exceeds its capacity and spills over.

Examples:

The heavy rain caused an overflow of the river.
There was an overflow of attendees at the event.
An overflow of emotions filled her heart.
The sink had an overflow of water.
The dam couldn't contain the overflow.

Alternatives:

a flood
an excess
a spill
a deluge
a surge

Answer 1

an overflow

This phrase is correct. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

Answer 2

a overflow

This phrase is incorrect. The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, not a vowel sound.

"an overflow" vs "a overflow"

an overflow

a overflow

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