English Department

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Hi Muhammad,

The rule is that you should use 'an' before a word starting with a vowel (or a vowel sound), and 'a' before words starting with a consonant. It's because of the different ways people have of pronouncing 'h' that the ambiguity you've noticed crops up. Some people pronounce it with a consonant at the start - 'haitch', and some with a vowel sound - 'aitch'.

With abbreviations, if you say 'haitch' then you should normally use 'a'; if you say 'aitch', then 'an' would be appropriate.

Similarly, there are two ways of pronouncing words that begin with 'h'. Take the word 'hotel':

Most people pronounce the 'h', so saying 'a hotel' would be appropriate. Some people don't pronounce the 'h', and use 'an', so what you hear is 'an 'otel'.

Hopefully that's clear!

Peace
 
Hi Callum,

Thanks for your help with my essay. It was on chapters 36 - 38 of 'Far from the Madding' by Thomas Hardy. You'll, no doubt, be familiar with it. :) Anyway, I handed in my first draft which I know I did really badly on because it was only 2.5 pages when other people were writing up to 4 pages!

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Oh well...
 
:sl:

What are panzies? What is a panzy? It isn't in the dictionary and Far7an didn't explain it to me very well. :brother:
 
Osman said:
:sl:

What are panzies? What is a panzy? It isn't in the dictionary and Far7an didn't explain it to me very well. :brother:
Click to expand...
Pooftas, ponces, weaklings, girlymen, marmite miners, tutti-fruities, benders, homos, batty boys, gays.

No offence to any erm... homosexual people reading this.
 
:sl:

I'd like to add on the bit for introductions. When your writing an essay or any kind of document that is analytical. The best introduction is usually a summary of your arguement. Since i feel the hardest thing in english is to actually *start* writing lol!
 
English Grammar

:sl:

This thread is to improve the English language skills and to ask grammatical questions on English, so that our English language improves inshaaAllah.

:w:
 
Re: English Grammar

Younus said:
:sl:

This thread is to improve the English language skills and to ask grammatical questions on English, so that our English language improves inshaaAllah.

:w:
Click to expand...

:sl:

good thread but maybe you can also turn this thread into a thread where you can learn nes vocabulary aswell :happy:...because that is why i am always failing to get the grade my mum wants :mmokay:

:w:
 
Re: English Grammar

lets start inshaaAllah

whats the adjective form for 'business' ? I know the answer for this mashaaAllah.
 
:sl:

Threads merged :).

To attempt your question... is it businesslike?
 
Apparently it is, it is what I learned at ENG3U1 course which is, Canadian English University level. It is found on www.dictionary.com as well. Yeah lol give your answer, smarty pants lol
 
^ you are not supposed to look into dictionary ;D just tell what you feel, and if you don't know the anwer then tell me, and I will give the answer inshaaAllah
 

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