Hi Yo,
A vowel sound is determined, as suzi rightly pointed out, not by its look, but by its sound.
Two of the most confusing semi/half consonents in Engish are those such as /ju:/ in "Europe and /w/ in "one". The looks of these are very misleading. Let me elaborate on them separately.
1. u
When the "u" sounds /ju:/ , without exception you will know it's a consonant. Other than this sound, all sounds derived from the "u" are vowels. You will find the differing sounds in examples given below.
1)"u" as consonants
university, use, unanimous, U.N., utensil, etc.
2)"u" as vowels
All other sounds such as "under", "urn", umpire and so on.
2. w
world, work, waste, etc.
It's easy to pick out the "w's" by their looks.
3. others variants
one
The pronunciation of "one" is preceded with /w/ sound. Despite its look, it is considered as a consonant.
eucalyptus
Regardless of the "e" in "eucalyptus", this word begins with a consnant sound, /ju:/.
4. acronyms
RBI (= runs batted in)
An "r" is a consonant, but it sounds /a:r/ in alphabets. Naurally, 'an RBI' is a correct way of putting an article.
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
As indicated above, an "f" also sounds as a vowel. So, 'an FBI agent' is the correct reading.
Before a vowel sound, use "an" as an article, and "a" in front of a consonant sound.
Mirapence
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