English Reference

Word

an

Definitions

01before a vowel sound

A1 · Beginner General-service

art. you use this instead of 'a' before a word that starts with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).

art. the form of the indefinite article used before a word beginning with a vowel sound, regardless of spelling.

“She ate an apple for her afternoon snack.”

“The candidate presented an honest assessment of the company's financial situation during the board meeting.”

Usage

Used before a noun or adjective that begins with a vowel sound (e.g., an egg, an hour).

Pitfall

It was a honor to meet you.

It was an honor to meet you.

Use 'an' before words starting with a vowel sound, even if the first letter is a silent 'h'.

Synonyms

a

02if

C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary

conj. an old word that means 'if'.

conj. a conditional conjunction equivalent to 'if'.

“An it please you, my lord, I shall depart now.”

“The old text read, 'An he be found guilty, he shall pay the fine in full.'”

Teaching tip

This sense is archaic; learners should only expect to see it in historical literature or Shakespearean texts.

Synonyms

if

03per or each

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

prep. used to mean 'for each' or 'every'.

prep. used as a distributive preposition meaning 'per' or 'for each'.

“The fabric costs ten dollars an ounce.”

“The consultant was paid a significant sum an hour for her expertise in international law.”

Usage

Typically follows a price or measurement and precedes a unit of time or weight.

Synonyms

pereachevery

Grammar

Countable & Uncountable basicsGeneric referenceIndefinite Article

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/an
English Reference