Which is the Proper way to say this ? You spell Nancy with a N. OR. You spell Nancy with an N.

Question

Is it "a" N.   OR. Is it "an" N.

Answer 1

If N is used as the first letter of a word, such as "Noun", then the N produces a consonant sound, not a vowel sound, so it would be "a noun", not "an noun".  However, when using "N" as a word - the name of the letter - what counts is how "N" is pronounced, not whether it's a vowel or consonant. The letter "N" by itself starts with a vowel sound - en - so it should be "an N". Saying "a N" - uh en - would be awkward.