Hello, I'm an expert in English grammar and usage. When it comes to using "a" or "an" before a word starting with the letter H, it's not the initial letter that matters, but the sound that follows it.

If the word following H begins with a vowel sound, you would use "an." For example, "an hour" or "an honest person." However, if the word following H starts with a consonant sound, you would use "a." For instance, "a hat" or "a hotel."

So, the correct usage depends on the pronunciation, not just the letter that follows H.

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It is a traditional rule of English that an can be used before words that begin with an H sound if the first syllable of that word is not stressed. Indeed, some traditionalists would say it must be used before such words. Since the first syllable of historic is unstressed, it is acceptable to use an before it.read more >>