An special award vs A special award

The correct phrase is 'a special award.' The use of 'an' before a word starting with 's' is determined by the pronunciation of the following word, not its spelling. In this case, 'special' is pronounced with a consonant sound at the beginning, so 'a' is used.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 614 views

This phrase is incorrect. 'An' is used before words that start with a vowel sound, not necessarily a vowel letter. In this case, 'special' starts with a consonant sound.

"An special award"

The correct phrase is 'a special award.' Use 'a' before words that start with a consonant sound, even if the word begins with a vowel letter.

Show examples from the web [+]

But first, I have an extra special award to present.
Special award for export development, 2001.
That would really be a special award to me.
Therefore, it is only fitting That you both receive Special Awards for Services to the School.
On 27 August 2006 Alai received a special award from President Ahmadinejad for his role in managing the assembly and engineering of centrifuges.
On 27 August 2006 Rashidi received a special award from President Ahmadinejad for his management and notable role in the successful operation of the 164-centrifuge enrichment cascade at Natanz.
When he was towards the end of his life, he was honored with a special award.
A special award went to Mikhail Gorbachev in recognition of his work with the "Green Cross Foundation".
Special Award Fund Budget for the Development of Self-Exporting Brands, Lucaiqizhi, 2008, No 75.
This scheme is implemented with the Notice of Shandong Province concerning the special award Fund Budget in 2008 for the Development of Self Exporting Brand [Lucaiqizhi (2008) No. 75].
The special award for the 50th festival goes to
He was given a special award in recognition of the fact that he continued the race even though it was quite clear that his chances of winning had been spoiled.
Fipresci International Film Critics Church Union Special Award
Summer's not officially on till my graduation on Friday, when you watch me accept my special award, presented by the principal in front of everyone.
Winner of the Golden Lion at the 1983 Venice Ulm Festival, and of a Special Award for Sound and Cinematography
The European Commission suggests that, for the European Mobility week, the existing award scheme would be optimised and a special award introduced to encourage the adoption of urban mobility plans.
a team comprising representatives of the contracting authorities, experts and the contractor to be responsible for carrying out the works, a special award procedure may be adopted for selecting the contractor most suitable for integration into the team.
And he's here most nights when he's in town, so no special journalistic awards for you guys.
The store will close early on the 30th for a special banquet award show.
They'll name a special Academy Award for me.

Alternatives:

a special award

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"A special award"

Use 'a' before words that start with a consonant sound, even if the word begins with a vowel letter. In this case, 'special' is pronounced with a consonant sound at the beginning.

Show examples from the web [+]

A special award went to Mikhail Gorbachev in recognition of his work with the "Green Cross Foundation".
That would really be a special award to me.
On 27 August 2006 Alai received a special award from President Ahmadinejad for his role in managing the assembly and engineering of centrifuges.
On 27 August 2006 Rashidi received a special award from President Ahmadinejad for his management and notable role in the successful operation of the 164-centrifuge enrichment cascade at Natanz.
He was given a special award in recognition of the fact that he continued the race even though it was quite clear that his chances of winning had been spoiled.
The European Commission suggests that, for the European Mobility week, the existing award scheme would be optimised and a special award introduced to encourage the adoption of urban mobility plans.
When he was towards the end of his life, he was honored with a special award.
a team comprising representatives of the contracting authorities, experts and the contractor to be responsible for carrying out the works, a special award procedure may be adopted for selecting the contractor most suitable for integration into the team.
Winner of the Golden Lion at the 1983 Venice Ulm Festival, and of a Special Award for Sound and Cinematography

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

An special award vs A special award

"An special award"

"A special award"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text