The Shoutbox
I'm such a juvenile delinquent sometimes... Someone should purge me.
Did someone say "Herbs"?
an is used before nouns that start with vowels and words that start with an unsounded h - but then that depends on whether you sound the h on the word or not, cos we say herbs and I think in the US you say 'erbs?
That I can't say with any confidence. As stupid as it sounds, I've always used the "what sounds right?" rule. I know "a historic time" sounds goofy, and "an historic time" sounds right. I think it's because you don't really pronounce the "h" much, so it effectively sounds as if it starts with a vowel.

My old lady would know the technical specifications of this better than I would, though. But I will say that English can be maddening in its use of exceptions.
Is there some reasoning behind it or do you just have to memorize what the exceptions are...?
You're right, it should be "a." The vowel rule is correct, though I believe there are some exceptions (like "historic").
Ok, I need a free English lesson. This sentence bugs me: "...about an proto-Japanese superhero". I always thought "an" was used before words that begin with a vowel. This isn't the first time I've seen this (from literate people) so I'd like to know why...pweasee...*puppyface*
I think Live Free or Die Hard is good, stupid fun, and that it wouldn't be so hated if not for the Die Hard name. If it's just some random new action movie, I think people come in with different expectations, and enjoy it more for what it is.
I rather enjoyed Live Free or Die Hard, of course though I only saw the DVD version with the swearing, which c'mon let's be honest here, is half the appeal when watching these flicks.
Originally Posted by jrs
If it's not a Die Hard movie what is it then?
Crap on a reel.
I'm gonna move all these shouts to The Football Thread, if no one minds.