Question of grammar

[debodun]

Is it "a historian" or "an historian"? (e.g. A or an historian will be available to answer questions about the community's past events.)

 

[Ina]

debodun, I was taught that if a word starts with a vowel, it is preceded by an. :saywhat:

 

[Meanderer]

Good rule! So Old MacDonald had an "EIEIOFarm"?

 

[Ina]

You got it debodun, a simple rule to remember. :yes::grin:

 

[debodun]

I just found this:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/an

 

[SeaBreeze]

The way I understand it, it should be a historian or a history book. Words with a 'silent' H would get the an, like an herb, an hour, etc.

 

[Ina]

Sea, I had forgot to put that part in my my post. :getit:

 

[Warrigal]

As I understood it, it is also OK to say "an hotel" and "an historian" because the words flow more smoothly that way.

 

[Capt Lightning]

Ah, but in UK English, Herb has a pronounced 'H', so it's A herb, but as you say, it's AN hour.

 

[Warrigal]

Yes, I would also say "a herb" and that is what I would write too.