The Enigmatic 'An' Before 'Historical': An Explainer

There is a common misconception that the word 'historical' should be preceded by 'an' regardless of pronunciation. However, this is incorrect. A closer look into the language reveals the logic behind when 'an' is employed.

Why Use 'An' Before 'Historical'?

Leaving 'a' before 'historical' is a grammatical error if the 'h' is silent. Historical is an exception where 'an' is used, primarily due to its pronunciation and the accent's placement. According to the grammar rule, 'an' should be used before words starting with an 'h' sound if and only if the word is accented on its second syllable.

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Correct: An historic event (accented on the second syllable)

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Correct: An historical fact (accented on the second syllable)

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Correct: A history book (accented on the first syllable)

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Correct: An hysterical answer (accented on the second syllable)

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Correct: An habitual behavior (accented on the second syllable)

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Incorrect: A historical event (accented on the first syllable)

The Pronunciation Rule

The proper pronunciation of words like historical can vary based on regional accents and the stress placed on the syllables. The core rule is that 'an' is used before words beginning with 'h' if the 'h' is silent and the word is stressed on the second syllable. However, a personal analysis reveals some regional differences where the initial 'h' may be omitted, resulting in an altered pronunciation.

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For example, an 'historical' event may sound more like 'is TOR i cal' in certain regional accents. This minimal pause can improve the flow of language, making it more fluent and less stilted.

Other times, the initial 'h' in words like 'hysterical' and 'habitual' might be omitted in some accents, such as Boston, New England, and others. In these cases, 'hysterical' and 'habitual' might sound more like 'ystorical' and 'ytical' respectively.

Regional Nuances and Accents

The usage of 'an' before words that start with 'h' but have a silent 'h' can be influenced by regional accents. For instance, in New England, 'wh' can often be substituted for 'w' in words like 'whirlwind.'

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A Bostonian accent, a Harvard accent, and some rural New England accents do not distinguish between the 'wh' sound and the 'w' sound. Consequently, 'whirlwind' is said as 'wirlwind,' which is perfectly acceptable and often unnoticed.

Regional accents can also influence the pronunciation of 'hysterical,' with some accents pronouncing it as 'ystorical.' This can make the word flow more naturally and be less jarring for the listener.

Conclusion

The use of 'an' before 'historical' is a matter of correct pronunciation and regional accent. While some may find the change in usage to be an 'obnoxious affectation,' it is a part of the natural evolution of language.

People who are accustomed to using 'a' before 'historical' may find others' use of 'an' to be offensive, but it is best to respect different accents and standardize the use based on regional and personal preferences.

Here are some entertaining links for further exploration:

tReno 911! Hypothetical Criminal - A humorous skit highlighting accents and pronunciation.