An Honor vs. A Honor – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase is “an honor.” The choice between “a” and “an” depends on the sound of the word immediately following the article. Since “honor” begins with a silent ‘h’ and is pronounced with a vowel sound, “an” is required. “A honor” is grammatically incorrect in standard English usage.
It’s also worth noting the spelling differences for honor in various English-speaking regions.
An Honor or A Honor – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “a honor” and “an honor” hinges entirely on the fundamental rule of indefinite articles in English grammar. The choice between “a” and “an” is determined by the sound of the first letter of the word that follows, not necessarily the letter itself. “A” precedes words that start with a consonant sound, while “an” precedes words that start with a vowel sound.
In the case of “honor,” the initial ‘h’ is silent. Consequently, the word is pronounced as if it begins with a vowel sound (specifically, the ‘o’ sound as in “octopus”). Because the word “honor” phonetically begins with a vowel sound, the indefinite article “an” must be used before it. Therefore, “an honor” is the grammatically correct construction, and “a honor” is incorrect.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| an honor | Indefinite article + Noun | A privilege, distinction, or mark of respect. | It was an honor to be invited to speak at the conference. |
| a honor | Indefinite article + Noun (incorrect usage) | Grammatically incorrect; violates the rule of article usage before a vowel sound. | (Incorrect) She received a honor for her bravery. |
How to Use An Honor
The phrase “an honor” is used when referring to something that brings respect, privilege, or a sense of distinction. It can describe an award, an invitation, a duty, or any situation that is considered a special privilege or a source of pride. While often used in formal contexts, it is also common in everyday speech to express gratitude or acknowledge significance.
Example 1: “It was truly an honor to be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Example 2: “Serving on the committee is an honor that I do not take lightly.”
Example 3: “He considered it an honor to represent his country at the international games.”
What are the different forms of honor?
The word “honor” primarily functions as a noun, which is why it is preceded by “an.” However, it can also act as a verb, meaning to show respect or fulfill an obligation. Here are some related forms:
- Noun (plural): honors (e.g., “graduating with high honors”)
- Verb: honor (e.g., “We honor their sacrifice.”)
- Adjective: honorable (e.g., “an honorable man”), honorary (e.g., “an honorary degree”)
- Adverb: honorably (e.g., “He served honorably.”)
Etymology of the word honor
The word “honor” has deep roots in Romance languages. It entered English from the Old French word honor, which itself derived from the Latin term honor or honos. In Latin, it carried meanings such as “honor, dignity, office, reputation, esteem.” The word became part of the English lexicon around the 12th century. The silent ‘h’ in “honor” is a vestige of its French origin, where the ‘h’ was typically not pronounced in such words, influencing its pronunciation in English.
Related Concepts
The core concept behind choosing “a” or “an” is the sound of the following word. This rule applies universally, not just to words like “honor” with silent ‘h’s. The indefinite article “a” is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, regardless of the letter itself. For example, “a car,” “a dog,” “a university” (because “university” starts with a ‘yoo’ sound, which is a consonant sound).
Conversely, “an” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, again, irrespective of the initial letter. Examples include “an apple,” “an elephant,” “an idea,” and “an hour” (because ‘hour’ starts with a silent ‘h’, leading with an ‘ow’ vowel sound). Understanding that the rule is phonetic, rather than purely orthographical, is key to correct usage.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “It was an honor to serve alongside such brave men and women.” – From a military memoir.
- “The Nobel Prize is an honor bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to humanity.” – From a news report on scientific achievements.
- “To be trusted with such a delicate mission is indeed an honor.” – A character’s line in a historical drama.
- “She considered every invitation to the royal court an honor, a testament to her family’s standing.” – From a period novel.
- “Receiving the standing ovation was an honor that brought tears to his eyes.” – From a review of a theatrical performance.
Honor Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Privilege | A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. |
| Distinction | Excellence that sets someone or something apart from others; a mark of honor or merit. |
| Esteem | Respect and admiration, typically for a person. |
| Reverence | Deep respect for someone or something. |
| Acclaim | Enthusiastic and public praise. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is the ‘h’ in “honor” silent?
The ‘h’ in “honor” is silent due to its linguistic origin in Old French. When the word was adopted into English, it retained this pronunciation feature, where the initial ‘h’ was not typically sounded. This makes the first audible sound a vowel sound, influencing the choice of “an” as the indefinite article.
Question 2: Are there other words where ‘an’ is used before ‘h’?
Yes, there are several other words in English where an initial ‘h’ is silent, and therefore “an” is used. Common examples include “an hour,” “an honest person,” “an heirloom,” and “an herb” (in American English, where ‘h’ in ‘herb’ is silent). The key is always to listen to the initial sound, not just observe the letter.
Question 3: Does “honor” have different meanings?
Yes, “honor” is a versatile word with several meanings. As a noun, it can refer to high respect, a privilege, a source of pride, or a good reputation. As a verb, “to honor” means to show respect for, to fulfill a promise or agreement, or to confer distinction upon someone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct indefinite article to use before the word “honor” is “an.” This is because the initial ‘h’ in “honor” is silent, causing the word to begin with a vowel sound. Adhering to the phonetic rule of “a” versus “an” is crucial for correct grammar. While “a honor” might seem logical at first glance due to the letter ‘h’, the spoken sound dictates the article choice, making “an honor” the only grammatically sound option.
Pro Tip: Mastering subtle grammatical distinctions like “a” vs. “an” not only demonstrates linguistic precision but also enhances your credibility and professionalism in both written and spoken communication.
