It’s an heirloom. The word heirloom begins with a silent "h", so we use the indefinite article "an". Remember, the rule for using "a" or "an" is based on pronunciation, not spelling.
It’s an heirloom. The word heirloom begins with a silent "h", so we use the indefinite article "an". Remember, the rule for using "a" or "an" is based on pronunciation, not spelling.
The necklace is an heirloom that has been in the family for generations.
The necklace is a heirloom that has been in the family for generations.
Follow the same practice with other derived forms, such as an heir, an heiress (a female heir), or an heirship (the condition of being an heir).
Olivia is an heiress to an incredible fortune.
Other words that also start with a silent “h”, and consequently take the article “an”, are listed below:
- an heir
- an heiress
- an herb (American English)
- an herbal (American English)
- an honest
- an honor
- an honorable
- an honorarium
- an honorary
- an hour
- an hourly
- an hourglass
