Which one is correct?
"half a hour" or "half an hour"?

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half a hour

This phrase is incorrect in English. 'A' should not be used before words that begin with a vowel sound like 'hour.'

half an hour

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'half an hour' when referring to a period of 30 minutes. 'An' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, like 'hour.'

Examples:

  • I'll be back in half an hour.
  • It took half an hour to get there.

Alternatives:

  • thirty minutes
  • a half-hour
  • 30 minutes
  • a 30-minute period
The correct phrase is 'half an hour.' 'An' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while 'a' is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. Since 'hour' starts with a vowel sound, 'an' is the correct choice.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

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