"use a URL" vs "use an URL"

Question

"use a URL" vs "use an URL"

Both "use a url" and "use an url" are commonly used, but the correct form is "use a url." The choice between "a" and "an" depends on the pronunciation of the following word. Since "url" is pronounced with a consonant sound at the beginning ("yoo-ar-el"), we use "a" before it.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use "a url" when referring to a web address. The choice of "a" is based on the pronunciation of the following word, which starts with a consonant sound.

Examples:

Please use a url shortener for that long web address.
You can use a url to link to the website.
Make sure to use a url that is secure.
I need a url to access the online resource.
She provided a url to the video in her email.

Alternatives:

use a web address
use a hyperlink
use a website link
use a uniform resource locator
use a link

Answer 1

use a URL

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

use an URL

This phrase is not correct in standard English usage.

"use a URL" vs "use an URL"

use a URL

use an URL

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