A Unique vs. An Unique: Common Mistakes Explained

A Unique or An Unique: Which Is Correct?

Quick Tips:

• The correct phrase is “a unique,” not “an unique.”
• Use “a” before words that begin with a consonant sound (e.g., “a unique,” “a university”).
• Use “an” before words that begin with a vowel sound (e.g., “an apple,” “an honest answer”).

A Unique vs. An Unique: Definition, Usage

A Unique:

• Meaning: “Unique” means being one of a kind or unlike anything else.
• Use: The article “a” is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. Although “unique” starts with the vowel “u,” it is pronounced with a /ju:/ sound (like the “y” sound in “you”), which is a consonant sound.
• Example: “She has a unique perspective on the issue.”
• Explanation: The correct usage is “a unique” because “unique” begins with a consonant sound.

An Unique:

• Incorrect: “An unique” is incorrect because “an” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. Since “unique” starts with a consonant sound (/ju:/), “an” is not the appropriate article.
• Example of Incorrect Use: “She has an unique opportunity.”

Tips to Remember the Difference

• Sound: Focus on the sound of the word that follows the article. If the word starts with a consonant sound, use “a.” If it starts with a vowel sound, use “an.”
• Pronunciation: Pay attention to how the word is pronounced rather than how it is spelled. This can help determine whether to use “a” or “an” before “unique.”
• Practice: Practice using both “a unique” and “an unique” in sentences to reinforce the correct usage and improve your understanding.

Common Mistakes

Using “an” before words that start with a vowel letter but a consonant sound:

• Incorrect: “He gave an unique solution.”
• Correct: “He gave a unique solution.”
• Explanation: “Unique” starts with a “u” but is pronounced with a consonant sound, so “a” is the correct article.

Applying the rule for vowel letters instead of vowel sounds:

• Misconception: Words that start with any vowel letter (like “u”) always take “an.”
• Reality: The correct use of “a” or “an” depends on the initial sound of the following word, not just the letter. If the word starts with a vowel sound (like “apple”), use “an.” If it starts with a consonant sound (like “unique”), use “a.”

A Unique vs. An Unique: Examples

Example 1:

• Correct: She has a unique sense of style that sets her apart from the crowd.
• Incorrect: She has an unique sense of style that sets her apart from the crowd.

Example 2:

• Correct: The author crafted a unique storyline that captivated readers from the start.
• Incorrect: The author crafted an unique storyline that captivated readers from the start.

Example 3

• Correct: The artist’s work is a unique blend of traditional and modern techniques.
• Incorrect: The artist’s work is an unique blend of traditional and modern techniques.

Example 4:

• Correct: The company prides itself on offering a unique range of products that cater to diverse customer needs.
• Incorrect: The company prides itself on offering an unique range of products that cater to diverse customer needs.

Related Confused Words

Some related words that create confusion while using “a” or “an” before them are due to their initial sounds. As with “unique,” the rule of using “a” or “an” depends on the pronunciation, not just the initial letter. Let’s explore some words which follow similar patterns.

Words starting with U:

• Use: The correct usage is “a use” (e.g., a use for this tool), as the “u” is pronounced with a “y” sound.
• Utility: Similar to “unique,” the correct usage is “a utility” (e.g., a utility knife) because the pronunciation starts with a “y” sound.

Words starting with H:

When the “h” is silent, use “an.” When the “h” is pronounced, use “a.” Some examples:

• Hour: The “h” is silent, so use “an hour” (e.g., It will take an hour to complete).
• Historic: The “h” is not silent, so use “a historic” (e.g., a historic event).

Related:

• An Hour vs. A Hour

Words starting with O:

• One: The correct usage is “a one” (e.g., a one-time offer), as the “w” sound is pronounced before the vowel.
• Ordinary: The word “ordinary” starts with a vowel sound, so the correct usage is “an ordinary” (e.g., an ordinary day).

You may question whether to use “a” or “an” with acronyms and abbreviations. Each case may be different, as the determinant is the pronunciation rather than the written form. For example:

• FAQ: Pronounced as “eff-ay-cue,” use “an FAQ” (e.g., Here’s an FAQ on this topic).
• CEO: Pronounced as “see-ee-oh,” use “a CEO” (e.g., She is a CEO of a tech company).

By recognizing the pronunciation patterns and practicing with these examples, you’ll confidently use “a” or “an” correctly in your everyday language.