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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
A/An to indicate absence
I am currently reading the Guide to Canadian English Usage (Second Edition). On the very first page it states,
"When the prefix a-(before vowels or h) or an-(before other consonants) is added to a word, it indicates the absence of the state or quality named. Thus, achromatic describes something without color; apathy refers to a lack of feeling; and anarchy mean without rule."
Several other words are used as examples: asexual, amoral, and atypical.
I don't understand why every example the book gives place the prefix a- before the consonant to indicate to absence of the state or quality named, while they use an- before a vowel (anarachy). This contradicts their instructions.
Can someone please clarify when we should use a/an as a prefix to indicate the absence of something?
Thanks
"When the prefix a-(before vowels or h) or an-(before other consonants) is added to a word, it indicates the absence of the state or quality named. Thus, achromatic describes something without color; apathy refers to a lack of feeling; and anarchy mean without rule."
Several other words are used as examples: asexual, amoral, and atypical.
I don't understand why every example the book gives place the prefix a- before the consonant to indicate to absence of the state or quality named, while they use an- before a vowel (anarachy). This contradicts their instructions.
Can someone please clarify when we should use a/an as a prefix to indicate the absence of something?
Thanks
Top answer
It is a typographical error. Just reverse their parenthetical explanations. Those wily Canucks!
- It is a typographical error.
- Just reverse their parenthetical explanations.
- Those wily Canucks!
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2 Answers
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It is a typographical error. Just reverse their parenthetical explanations. Those wily Canucks!
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They've made an error. The sentence should say precisely the opposite of what it actually does say.
an- goes before vowels or h, e.g. anhydrous, anaerobic
a- goes before all other consonants, e.g. asynchronous, atonal
an- goes before vowels or h, e.g. anhydrous, anaerobic
a- goes before all other consonants, e.g. asynchronous, atonal
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