a unreasonable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unreasonable" is not correct in written English.
The correct form is "an unreasonable" because "unreasonable" begins with a vowel sound. Example: "It is an unreasonable expectation to think that everyone will agree with you."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So this is not a unreasonable number.

Cornell University

The royal couple took action because of a "unreasonable" pattern of behaviour allegedly displayed by the individual, a freelancer, described as tantamount to following the 14-month-old prince and his nanny around.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

What's an example of an unreasonable fear?

Huffington Post

And seriously, it was an unreasonable amount.

HuffPost

Or is that an unreasonable expectation for a boss?

The New York Times

A reasonable ambition at an unreasonable time for his team.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was a reasonable man in an unreasonable time".

The New York Times

A reason to create an unreasonable schedule, so prioritize balance.

Forbes

Follow an unreasonable request by a more reasonable one.

WikiHow

A deep-seated cynicism is not an unreasonable response.

Huffington Post

Not an unreasonable request.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the indefinite article 'an' before words that begin with a vowel sound. Since 'unreasonable' begins with the short 'u' sound (/ʌ/), it must be preceded by 'an'.

Common error

Do not assume that every word starting with 'u' takes 'an'. The rule depends on the sound. While 'unreasonable' takes 'an' (an unreasonable request), words like 'university' take 'a' (a university) because they start with a 'y' consonant sound.

How to use

Learn how to use "a unreasonable" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase ""a unreasonable"" functions as an incorrectly formed adjective phrase intended to modify a noun. According to Ludwig AI, the vast majority of reliable sources use the corrected version with the article 'an'. It is typically used to qualify a behavior, demand or expectation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""a unreasonable"" is a common grammatical slip that occurs when the writer fails to apply the 'an' article before a vowel sound. While Ludwig AI identifies rare instances of this phrase in professional news outlets, they are usually errors or direct transcriptions of speech. The only correct way to write this phrase is "<a href="/s/an+unreasonable" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an unreasonable". For writers looking to vary their vocabulary, replacing it with "<a href="/s/a+ridiculous" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a ridiculous" or "<a href="/s/an+irrational" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an irrational" can provide a similar meaning while ensuring grammatical integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unreasonable

Corrects the article 'a' to 'an' to match the vowel sound of the following word

an irrational

Replaces the adjective with a synonym starting with a vowel, maintaining the correct 'an' article

an illogical

Uses a synonym focusing on the lack of logic, requiring the 'an' article

an absurd

Provides a stronger synonym for lack of reason, using the correct article

a ridiculous

Uses a synonym starting with a consonant sound, making the article 'a' correct

an unwarranted

Focuses on the lack of justification while maintaining the correct article for a vowel sound

an unfair

Provides a synonym often used in contexts of justice or rules

an improper

Suggests something is not right or suitable for the context

an excessive

Focuses on the aspect of something being beyond what is normal or reasonable

an extreme

Indicates a high degree of deviation from the norm

FAQs

Which is correct, 'a unreasonable' or 'an unreasonable'?

The correct form is always "<a href="/s/an+unreasonable" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an unreasonable" because the word unreasonable starts with a vowel sound.

What can I say instead of 'a unreasonable'?

You should use "<a href="/s/an+unreasonable" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an unreasonable" or alternatives like "<a href="/s/an+irrational" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an irrational", "<a href="/s/an+illogical" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an illogical" or "<a href="/s/a+ridiculous" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a ridiculous" depending on the context.

Why is 'a unreasonable' grammatically wrong?

In English grammar, the article 'a' is used before consonant sounds and 'an' is used before vowel sounds. Since unreasonable begins with the vowel sound 'uh', ""a unreasonable"" is a mistake.

How to use 'an unreasonable' in a sentence?

You can use it to describe demands or expectations, such as: "It is "<a href="/s/an+unreasonable+expectation" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an unreasonable expectation" to ask for the report by tomorrow morning."