"a hydrodynamic" vs "an hydrodynamic"

Question

Hi, which is correct, "a hydrodynamic" or "an hydrodynamic". I would favour the first option, but I have doubts.Thank you

Fandorin · Accepted Answer

Hi. None of those are correct. An and a are indefinite articles which should be put before a noun, not before an adjective.

A hydrodynamic cap, a hydrodynamic compression.....

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks for your answer. So, when talking about modelling hydrodynamics, we would use "a hydrodynamic model"?

Your answer has lead me to another question: is it "...indefinite articles which should...", or "...indefinite articles that should..."? According to "The elements of style", by Strunk and White, I would have thought the use of that was preferable in this sentence.

Fandorin · Answer

AnonymousSo, when talking about modelling hydrodynamics, we would use "a hydrodynamic model"?

Yes.

Anonymousour answer has lead me to another question: is it "...indefinite articles which should...", or "...indefinite articles that should..."? According to "The elements of style", by Strunk and White, I would have thought the use of that was preferable in this sentence.

Usage In U.S. English, it is usually recommended that which be employed only for nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clauses: the horse, which is in the paddock, is six years old (the which clause contains a nonessential fact, noted in passing; the horse would be six years old wherever it was). A that clause is restrictive (or essential), as it identifies a particular thing: the horse that is in the paddock is six years old (not any horse, but the one in the paddock). [Oxford Dictionary]

Which often is being employed when the choice is restricted with possible alternatives given.

Anonymous · Answer

Ok, thank you very much for your assistance.

Anonymous · Answer

"an" is used before nouns with a vowel sound.  Hydrodynamic does not start with a vowel sound.  Therefore, you would use "a", not "an".  This is similar to saying "a yellow aeroplane".  A hydrodynamic noun can be considered a complex noun if you want to be consistent with the definition.

Anonymous · Answer

Most North Americans would use the first option, although in Canada, the second option would be most proper but both are acceptable.

In the UK and Australia, the second option would probably be used.

Some Americans would also use the second option, as it would be seen by many as the "most proper" use, but both are fine.

Anonymous · Answer

Using “a” and “an” Before Words

Raphael asks: When should I use “a” and when should I use “an” before the different words? For example, should I say “a hour” or “an hour?” I stumble over this everytime and dont’t know if I’m getting it right, as I’m not speaking and writing English natively.

The Rule

The rule states that “a” should be used before words that begin with consonants (e.g., b, c ,d) while “an” should be used before words that begin with vowels (e.g., a,e,i). Notice, however, that the usage is determined by the pronunciation and not by the spelling, as many people wrongly assume.

You should say, therefore, “an hour” (because hour begins with a vowel sound) and “a history” (because history begins with a consonant sound).

Similarly you should say “a union” even if union begins with a “u.” That is because the pronunciation begins with “yu”, which is a consonant sound.

Abbreviations

Deciding which version you should use with abbreviations is the tricky part. First of all you need to understand if the abbreviation is pronounced as a single word or letter by letter.

While we say “a light-water reactor,” the abbreviation is “an LWR.”

Similarly, you should use “an NBC reporter” (because “NBC” is pronounced “enbisi”) and “a NATO authority” (because “NATO” begins with a “ne” sound).

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Most North Americans would use the first option, although in Canada, the second option would be most proper but both are acceptable.

I've lived in Canada for many years. I don't remember ever hearing or reading 'an hydrodynamic . . '.

It seems to me neither right nor acceptable.

Best wishes, Clive

"a hydrodynamic" vs "an hydrodynamic"

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