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

An special award

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.

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

A special award

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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

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An special award vs A special award

An special award

A special award

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