A
A is the first letter of the modern English alphabet and the first of the five standard vowel letters in English.
A is the first letter of the modern English alphabet and the first of the five standard vowel letters in English. It is used in writing systems derived from the Latin alphabet and also serves as a symbol in many academic and technical contexts. In Canada, A is used in both English and French spelling within the Latin alphabet.
Alphabet and pronunciation
A is the opening letter of the Latin alphabet as used in English. Its pronunciation varies by language and by position in a word, and it can represent different vowel sounds in English. The letter appears in both uppercase and lowercase forms: A and a.
Use in writing systems
A is part of the Latin script and appears in many languages beyond English. It is one of the most recognizable letters in modern writing systems, used across languages that employ the Latin alphabet.
Symbolic and technical uses
Outside ordinary spelling, A is used as a label, grade, abbreviation, and variable in mathematics and science. Its meaning depends on context, ranging from a top academic grade to a symbol for ampere in physics.
Key facts
- A is the first letter of the English alphabet.
- In English, A is one of the five standard vowel letters.
- A appears in both uppercase and lowercase forms: A and a.
- The letter is used across many languages that use the Latin alphabet.
- A is also widely used as a symbol in mathematics, grading, and abbreviations.
A is used in Canadian English spelling and in the Latin alphabet used by English- and French-language writing in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What is A?
Is A a vowel or a consonant?
What alphabet does A belong to?
What are the forms of A?
References
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/encyclopediaSupports: General definition of an encyclopedia; not directly relevant to the letter A.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encyclopediaSupports: General definition of an encyclopedia; not directly relevant to the letter A.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/encyclopaediaSupports: Background on encyclopedias; not directly relevant to the letter A.