I believe 'a' would be appropriate as the 'h' is not silent.
Let's go with 'a' since the 'an' never seems to fit with a good hallucination.
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
"a" because you pronounce the "H"...at least I think it sounds better that way:)
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?
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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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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