A Unique Or An Unique

Jordan Emanuel

less than a minute read

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09-12-2024

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The question of whether to use "a unique" or "an unique" is a common grammatical hurdle. The answer, however, is surprisingly straightforward, and hinges on pronunciation.

Understanding the Article's Role

Articles – "a," "an," and "the" – specify whether a noun is singular, plural, specific, or general. "A" precedes words beginning with a consonant sound, while "an" precedes words beginning with a vowel sound.

The Sound, Not the Letter

The crucial point is that the choice between "a" and "an" depends on pronunciation, not spelling. While "unique" begins with the letter "u," it's pronounced with a "yoo" sound, which is a consonant sound.

Therefore...

Therefore, the grammatically correct phrasing is "a unique". Using "an unique" is incorrect because it ignores the pronunciation of the word. While you might occasionally see "an unique" in older texts, it's considered non-standard English today.

Examples

• Correct: "This is a unique opportunity."
• Correct: "She possesses a unique perspective."
• Incorrect: "This is an unique opportunity."
• Incorrect: "She possesses an unique perspective."

Conclusion

While seemingly minor, correct article usage significantly enhances writing clarity and professionalism. Remembering to consider the sound of the word, not just the spelling, will ensure you always choose the appropriate article. In the case of "unique," always opt for "a".