Discussion on Vowel / e /.

We continue our discussion on Vowel / e /.

Previously, it was mentioned that vowel / e / is not pronounced in words such as veto, vehicle, penal, legal, etc. You remember?

In the same vein, vowel / e / is not pronounced in EWE. 'ewe' is pronounced just the same way 'you' is pronounced. In other words, 'ewe' and 'you' are homophones!

However, vowel / e / is pronounced in SAYS /sez /.

It is important to note that in words beginning in EU, article 'an' must not be used before them. Examples of such words include euglena, euphemism, eunuch, Europe, European, etc.

Hence, it is wrong to say:

I visited an European country last year.

LGBT is an euphemism for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender.

Who is an eunuch?

Please note carefully that eunuch is being referred to in the last example above, not Enoch. The two words aren't the same.

Rather, say:

I visited a European country last year.

LGBT is a euphemism for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender.

Who is a eunuch?

In addition, certain words that begin in letter U do not take article 'an'. Examples of such words include:

university
uniform
union
unicellular
universe
universal
united
unit

A unit is the standard measurement of a quantity.

A united goal cannot be defeated.

Love is a universal language.

What a universe!

Euglena is an example of a unicellular organism.

Theirs is a union of matrimonial bliss.

He is studying French at a university in Ghana.

Exercises

Use a or an in the missing gaps below.

......university is......institution of learning.

What is the naira equivalent of......Euro?

You must have been given.....uniform.

......eulogy to Colin Kaepernick!

I know......eunuch who owes.....ewe.