Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

The DU Lounge

GreatGazoo

(4,773 posts) Wed Jun 3, 2026, 08:18 AM Wednesday

Why is it "An Historic" but not "An History book" or "An Historian"?

I always hear a cockney accent in my mind when I read "an historic".

Like "Good day guv'nah. Might I interest chew in an 'istoric tour of 'istoric 'houses wut is led by an 'istorian?"

Perhaps I should ask a magistrate or a barrister...

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Why is it "An Historic" but not "An History book" or "An Historian"? (Original Post) GreatGazoo Wednesday OP

Depends which syllable is accented nuxvomica Wednesday #1

What about a historian? Croney Wednesday #3

Correct! I should also add it can become an issue of clarity nuxvomica Wednesday #4

had not thought of "ahistorical" GreatGazoo Wednesday #5

a or an is allowed with 'h'. Go with the one that sounds best. marble falls Wednesday #2

nuxvomica

(14,307 posts)

1. Depends which syllable is accented

Reply to GreatGazoo (Original post)

Wed Jun 3, 2026, 08:27 AM

Wednesday

It's "an his-TOR-ic" but "a HIS-tor-y". The H-sound is muted when the first syllable is not accented.

Croney

(5,026 posts)

3. What about a historian?

Reply to nuxvomica (Reply #1)

Wed Jun 3, 2026, 08:43 AM

Wednesday

It must be an historian. I think you're right.

nuxvomica

(14,307 posts)

4. Correct! I should also add it can become an issue of clarity

Reply to Croney (Reply #3)

Wed Jun 3, 2026, 09:26 AM

Wednesday

When someone says "a historical" it sounds like "ahistorical" a word that means "not related to, involving, or contrary to history."

GreatGazoo

(4,773 posts)

5. had not thought of "ahistorical"

Reply to nuxvomica (Reply #4)

Wed Jun 3, 2026, 10:46 AM

Wednesday

makes sense

marble falls

(72,728 posts)

2. a or an is allowed with 'h'. Go with the one that sounds best.

Reply to GreatGazoo (Original post)

Wed Jun 3, 2026, 08:40 AM

Wednesday

Reply to this discussion