an
- 01 B1 Intermediate
prep.used to show a rate or price for each thing.
prep.functions as a distributive preposition meaning 'per' or 'for each'.
Simple“The apples cost two dollars an ounce at the local market.”
In context“The medication should be administered twice an hour until the patient's heart rate stabilizes.”
UsageCommonly used in expressions of frequency or price.
Teacher's tipThis is a more natural, less formal alternative to 'per' in everyday speech.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
conj.an old word that means 'if'.
conj.a conditional conjunction meaning 'if'; primarily found in Early Modern English texts.
Simple“An it please the king, we shall depart at once.”
In context“The courtier whispered that he would perform the task, an it were the lady's true desire.”
UsageOften appears in the phrase 'an it please you'.
Teacher's tipOnly relevant for students reading Shakespeare or other period literature.
Synonyms