A, E, I, O, U are the main vowel letters. The other letters are consonant letters.
← Grammar CentreShort prerequisite · Sounds
Consonants and Vowels
To choose between a and an, listen to the first sound of the next word. Do not look only at its first letter.
Letters first
English has five main vowel letters
Your voice flows without the mouth fully blocking the air: apple, egg, idea, orange, umbrella.
The lips, tongue or throat narrow or block the air: book, course, test, visa.
The article rule uses sound, not spelling: use an before a vowel sound and a before a consonant sound.
The important exceptions
The first letter can mislead you
Silent h: an hour, an honest person
The written h is not pronounced, so the first sound is a vowel sound.
U and E with /y/: a university, a European
These words begin with the consonant sound /y/, as in you.
Initials: an MBA, an IELTS test
Listen to how the first letter is pronounced. M begins /em/ and I begins /ai/, both vowel sounds.
One: a one-year course
One begins with the consonant sound /w/.
10 questions only
Check the beginning sound
This short prerequisite does not need four levels or a Final Quiz.
Short sound check1 of 10