Would you use 'an' or 'a' in front of Hallucination Thanks

1. 60

   Rosemay50posted 12 years ago

   Would you use 'an' or 'a' in front of Hallucination
   Thanks

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2. 79

   terrektwoposted 12 years ago

   "a" I believe "an" doesn't seem to sound right.

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3. 68

   J Burgraffposted 12 years ago

   I believe 'a' would be appropriate as the 'h' is not silent.

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4. 0

   moncrieffposted 12 years ago

   Since the "h" here is not mute, it should be "a".

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5. 73

   ThoughtSandwichesposted 12 years ago

   Let's go with 'a' since the 'an' never seems to fit with a good hallucination.

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6. 82

   TattooKittyposted 12 years ago

   I would use "a".  The article "an" is reserved for use before words that have an initial vowel sound (as just used).  The word "hallucination" begins with a consonant sound.  Hope this helps

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7. 75

   Hunbbel Meerposted 12 years ago

   You already know my vote 'a hallucination'

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8. 90

   pedrn44posted 12 years ago

   "a" because you pronounce the "H"...at least I think it sounds better that way:)

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9. 89

   Victoria Lynnposted 12 years ago

   It is definitely "a."The only time you use "an" before "h" is when the "h" is silent and thus the word sounds as though it starts with a vowel, which requires an "an." Example: It's an honor to be here.  In that sentence, the "h" is silent. However, before Halloween, use "a" since the "h" is pronounced. Ex: I'm having a Halloween party.
   
   Make sense?

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10. 61

    pamelareadzposted 12 years ago

    I agree with terrektwo.  I would use "a" too.

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11. 89

    Just Ask Susanposted 12 years ago

    I see that you have asked htodd to answer this but I couldn't resist.
    An object perceived during a hallucinatory episode.
    He refused to believe that the angel was a hallucination.
    My vote is also for "A"

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12. 60

    LABrashearposted 12 years ago

    "A", but you made me stop and think for a second!

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13. 61

    Terishereposted 12 years ago

    The article "a" is preceded before a word that starts with a constanant.. Use the article "an" if it precedes a word beginning with a vowel.

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14. 69

    davenmidtownposted 12 years ago

    I would use A - the rule of thumb is that A is used if the next letter is a consonant and use AN if the next letter is a vowel.  There are a few exceptions to this rule though.

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15. 71

    Naomi's Bannerposted 12 years ago

    I would use "a".  There are many instances where "a" or "an" might sound better but there are proper rules of " english " that must be followed.

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16. 92

    ktrappposted 12 years ago

    I just had an interesting thought, at least to me anyway.
    
    Victoria Lynn is correct in writing that the article "an" is used before words beginning with "h" when the "h" is silent. But I noticed that you (Rosemay) are from the UK and now living in New Zealand.
    
    I believe you may pronounce more words with silent "h"s than Americans. For example, when Americans speak the word "hallucination" the "h" sound is heard, but perhaps for some people with a British accent the "h" may be silent (but I'm not sure). Therefore, if you speak with an accent where the "h" is silent in "hallucination" then it would be correct for you to use the article "an" in front of the word "hallucination."
    
    But I see you asked the question of an international editor, htodd, so I would be interested to see her response. I am curious if the rules differ when writing for an international audience.
    
    Great question.

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17. 81

    Becky Katzposted 12 years ago

    Victoria Lynn answered with the rule. She is right. If you do not hear the consonant, it is 'an'. If you hear the consonant, it is 'a'.

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18. 59

    makusrposted 12 years ago

    English language like many other languages is based on sound. Phonetics. Vowel sound is important. Since hallucination has consonant sound it will have 'a' before it. Had it been 'honesty' or 'hour' we would have put 'an' before it because they have a vowel sound.

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19. 60

    Rosemay50posted 12 years ago

    Thank you everybody who answered. I guess 'A' must be correct.
    Although ktrapp had a good point as coming from Yorkshire I do not put emphasis on the 'H' , it is a silent h when I speak.
    
    But the answers were all very interesting so yes thank you for taking the time.

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20. 61

    shamani67posted 12 years ago

    an. Read it out loud to yourself when you are using it in a sentence and it should tell you straight away what is correct.
    I am Aussie so maybe that is why I disagree with most of you. An hallucination sounds better than a hallucination.

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21. 82

    arksysposted 12 years ago

    aeiou... H is not one of them so i would use "a" ...

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