Understanding Letters and Words in English Grammar - With Rules & Examples
Keywords: letters in English, types of letters, vowels and consonants, what is a word, grammar rules for beginners, English alphabet, semi-vowels, semi-consonants
📘 Introduction
In English grammar, everything begins with letters and words. If you're learning English, understanding letters, vowels, consonants, and how words are formed is the foundation of reading, writing, and speaking.
This article explains:
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What letters are
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Types of letters (capital, small, vowels, consonants)
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What a word is
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Common grammar rules with “a” and “an”
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Exceptions like semi-vowels and semi-consonants
🔤 What Are Letters?
Definition:
A letter is the smallest unit of the English language. Letters do not have meaning on their own (except in rare cases like A and I). However, letters combine to form words, which do carry meaning.
✏️ Examples of letters:
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a, b, c, d, e, ..., z
❗ Exceptions:
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A = "one" (e.g., A boy)
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I = refers to oneself (e.g., I am happy)
🔠 The English Alphabet: 26 Letters
There are 26 letters in the English language.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
These letters are written in two forms:
(1) Capital Letters
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A, B, C, D, ..., Z
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Used at the start of a sentence, for proper nouns, or in titles.
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Example: India is a country.
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(2) Small Letters
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a, b, c, d, ..., z
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Used in most parts of writing except where capitals are required.
📚 Types of Letters: Vowels and Consonants
Letters are divided into two main types in grammar:
✅ (1) Vowels
Vowels: A, E, I, O, U
These letters represent open sounds in speech.
🔤 Grammar Rule:
👉 Use “an” before words that begin with a vowel sound.
✔ Examples:
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an apple
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an egg
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an umbrella
Note: The rule is based on sound, not just the letter.
For example, an hour (because “h” is silent).
❌ (2) Consonants
All other letters except vowels are called consonants.
Examples: B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, X, Z
🔤 Grammar Rule:
👉 Use “a” before words that begin with a consonant sound.
✔ Examples:
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a banana
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a cat
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a university (Note: “university” begins with a “yu” sound, which is a consonant sound)
🔄 Exceptions: Semi-Vowels & Semi-Consonants
Some letters behave like vowels or consonants depending on their position and pronunciation.
🔶 Semi-vowels
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Letters W and Y act as vowels when they come at the end of a word.
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Example: sky, fly
🔷 Semi-consonants
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W and Y act as consonants when they come at the beginning of a word.
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Example: was, white, yes
📌 Special Case – Letter “H”
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H can be silent or pronounced depending on the word.
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Examples:
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an hour (silent “h” → vowel sound)
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a house (pronounced “h” → consonant sound)
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🧩 What Is a Word?
Definition:
A word is a group of letters that together create a meaningful unit. Words can be:
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Nouns (person, place, thing)
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Verbs (actions)
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Adjectives (describing words)
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Other parts of speech (adverbs, prepositions, etc.)
✏️ Examples:
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cat = C + A + T
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run = R + U + N
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happy = H + A + P + P + Y
📖 Conclusion: Why Letters and Words Matter
Letters are the building blocks of English. Without understanding how letters form words, it is hard to make sentences or express ideas.
✅ Key Takeaways:
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Letters do not have meaning (except A, I).
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Words are meaningful combinations of letters.
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Know when to use “a” and “an” based on sound.
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Be aware of exceptions like semi-vowels and silent letters.
🔍 Practice Exercises (Optional Section for Learners)
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Choose the correct article:
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__ egg
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__ banana
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__ honest man
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__ university
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Identify if the bold letter is vowel, consonant, or semi-vowel:
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fly
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white
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hour
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bat
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