Why use an before H?

Why do you use an before h, as in "Once an hour" or "I just got back from the show, he's an hilarious comedian."

Thought you only used it if the word after was a vowel D:

 

not really sure, i never really use it that way

i know in french the H is silent so technically the word starts with a vowel, no idea why its like that in english

 

I want this answer now @_@

 

Pronounce the words...the answer will dawn on you. Shouldn't you have learned this in like 4th grade? x.x

 

Hard H = a

Soft(silent) h = an

 

hilarious doesnt have a silent H there...makes the whole thing sound weird

what i thought, but hilarious has a hard H

 

Tell me the answer...the point of this thread will dawn on you. Shouldn't you be making another basketball thread? x.x

 

It is, it should be a hilarious comedian...

 

It's more of a hidden rule, I'd say "a hilarious" rather than "an hilarious", one is correct however the other sounds better.

Either way, you'll still be right with the standards of English we use today

I did some research:
http://www.abctales.com/node/158520

 

I thought that "a" was supposed to go with "comedian".


That's how I was taught, but never used

 

Thank you

 

lol yeah they r pretty low specially on these forums

actually noticed my english is getting worse as i spend more time here >.>

 

ah

"And an history book, which is correct too. Or is it?
I had this discussion with my A level English teacher years ago. I was told that although it was still acceptable English to use that form it is nevertheless considered an antiquated form and has been superceded by the more common 'a' inplace of 'an'. The use of 'an' was always coupled with a silent following 'h'. Personally, I was taught the old fashioned way and still use it. It also pisses me off that a pint of beer is now £2/6/0d and when I get it, it is 55 degrees fahrenheit."


seems like u can use either one and the "an" there is old fashioned xD



off to sleep cya guys

 

Vowel sound, not vowel.

 

Indeed, and i assume a lot more hilarious than regular english.

 

*click clack cloooock clook krooot?*
*crot crot crooooak!*
*CROAK!*

 

CLOCK CLACK CLICK? *point*