an used car vs a used car

The correct phrase is 'a used car.' The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound that follows the article. In this case, 'used' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a' is the right article to use.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 03, 2025 • 5557 views

an used car

This phrase is incorrect. 'An' is used before words that start with a vowel sound, while 'a' is used before words that start with a consonant sound.

The correct phrase is 'a used car' because 'used' starts with a consonant sound. Use 'a' before words that start with a consonant sound and 'an' before words that start with a vowel sound.

Show examples from the web [+]

So I decided to go for an used car
Learning to control the motorcycle involves... 2007-03-26 11:53:50 - Best negotiating tips when buying an used car Being a good negotiator doesn't have to be difficult.
Like an American used-car salesman, I use first names as soon as I can.
Carsabi is an excellent site for used car shopping.
There's an Earl's Used Car Lot not far from here.
It is advisable to buy an off leased used car that is actually maintained well and more carefully by a single person.
This may involve an internet search for used car dealers in your city as well as phone conversations with reputable candidates.
The option of buying an Infiniti used car instead of a brand new one could be another smart way of cutting down on the expenditure and yet owning a good vehicle from a trusted dealer.
If, on the contrary, an expensive foreign car dreams instead of an old used car, this promises a rise in the career ladder, success in any business, and a way out of a difficult situation.
The 512 was too difficult and heavy to be used as an everyday car.
The Sant'Agostino centre has four above-ground levels, functionally designed for mixed commercial activities and offices, and a basement level used as an open car park.
I INHERITED THIS RELIGION FROM MY FATHER AN EX-USED CAR SALESMAN AND PART-TIME WINDOW BOX AND I AM VERY PROUD TO BE IN CHARGE OF THE FIRST RELIGION
Heavy vehicles and machinery are at work in the port area beneath the new bridge in an area used for parking cars and by pedestrians.
A stagecoach, microchip implants or an original getaway car used in the robbery of the century? The new core exhibition examines all forms of communication, which has always connected human beings.
Designed for a single child, this particular stroller can be used with an baby car seat or perhaps a bassinet or its main seat.
I used an old car jack, with a thickness of metal to push the piston upwards
if you want to remove even the piston, must compress the spring upwards, to remove the pin that locks the shaft I used an old car jack, with a thickness of metal to push the piston upwards
There are websites that sell used cars.
Most used cars have a maintenance record.
Taro bought a used car last week.

Alternatives:

a used car

a used car

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'a' before words that start with a consonant sound. In this case, 'used' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a' is the correct article to use.

Examples:

I bought a used car last week.
She is selling a used car at a reasonable price.
A used car can be a cost-effective option.
He drives a used car to work every day.
A used car dealership offers a variety of vehicles.

Show examples from the web [+]

My ex-Wife sold it to buy a used car.
That's a lot for a used car.
Taro bought a used car last week.
You have a used car in perfect condition.
They provide user-friendly worksheets to help determine the appropriate value of a used car.
Buying a used car is a very cheap and affordable option in New York.
I got the roses and a used car.
I'm giving you fifty percent off a used car.
Dad, I own two-thirds of a used car.
Buying a used car can become a better idea if we have limited funds.
I got her this place and a used car.
I'm suddenly feeling like a used car.
The worst part is I'm driving a used car.
My brother bought a used car, so it was not very expensive.
He should have bought a used car.
He should have bought a used car.
He compared her to a used car.
Buying a used car may be beneficial or harmful for a person.
Thus it offers the opportunity to purchase a used car for a fraction of the original price.
I feel like I got a great break on a used car.

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