ENGLISH
REFERENCE

an

prep. · conj.
  1. 1 per or each (prep.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to show a rate or price for each thing.

    functions as a distributive preposition meaning 'per' or 'for each'.

    Example

    The apples cost two dollars an ounce at the local market.

    Example

    The medication should be administered twice an hour until the patient's heart rate stabilizes.

    Usage

    Commonly used in expressions of frequency or price.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a more natural, less formal alternative to 'per' in everyday speech.
  2. 2 if (conj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    an old word that means 'if'.

    a conditional conjunction meaning 'if'; primarily found in Early Modern English texts.

    Example

    An it please the king, we shall depart at once.

    Example

    The courtier whispered that he would perform the task, an it were the lady's true desire.

    Usage

    Often appears in the phrase 'an it please you'.

    Teacher's tip

    Only relevant for students reading Shakespeare or other period literature.
Word family

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