a unreliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unreliable" is not correct in written English.
The correct form is "an unreliable" because "unreliable" begins with a vowel sound. Example: "He is known for being an unreliable source of information."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the special factors that have lowered the yield on the 30-year bond make it a unreliable predictor, according to some economists.

The New York Times

Much of the book's significance lies in the shocking twist that Bateman's violent behaviour may have never happened at all, and are just the imaginings of a unreliable narrator.

The Guardian - Books

Furthermore, the incidence of RRT may be a unreliable outcome measure, since most centres had no clear protocol for it.

Annals of Intensive Care

But even that would be a unreliable process, stressed Hoagland.

Vice

Ron thinks that Mitt's assault on Newt as a "unreliable... bomb-thrower" -- e.g., Palestinians as an "invented people", child labor instead of janitors, subpoenaing "dictatorial" judges -- has been adept and successful.

Huffington Post

This aspect of pain assessment is essential, because even residents with cognitive impairment should be engaged with eye contact and inquiries into their level of comfort and not discounted as a unreliable source.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Williams won despite an unreliable serve, a poor second set and 51 unforced errors.

Los Angeles Times

The American novelist Stephen Crane, according to an unreliable contemporary, began a book about a male prostitute.

The New Yorker

"Constellations of the City was an experiment with an unreliable technology.

Vice

A disorganised site suggests an unreliable builder.

The Guardian - Money

There are problems inherent in dealing with both a shape-shifter and an unreliable narrator.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always check the initial sound of the word following an indefinite article. Since 'unreliable' begins with the vowel sound /ʌ/, you must use 'an' to ensure smooth phonetic transition.

Common error

Writers sometimes default to 'a' because they are focused on the noun further down the sentence or are writing quickly. Even in prestigious outlets like The New York Times, this typo occurs. Always proofread specifically for the 'a' vs 'an' distinction before adjectives.

How to use

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

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unreliable" functions as a noun modifier, typically consisting of an indefinite article and an adjective. However, according to linguistic standards and Ludwig AI, this specific combination is a grammatical lapse. The article 'a' is phonetically incompatible with the vowel sound beginning 'unreliable'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis of "a unreliable" reveals a clear discrepancy between intended meaning and grammatical execution. While the phrase appears in highly reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, Ludwig AI identifies it as an error. The correct form is always "an unreliable". In high-stakes writing, this mistake can undermine the author's credibility. Writers should remain vigilant when placing indefinite articles before adjectives starting with vowels, as these are common sites for typos in professional media and scientific reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unreliable

Correct grammatical form using the appropriate indefinite article for a vowel sound

an untrustworthy

Stronger synonym implying a lack of integrity or honesty

a dubious

Suggests something is suspect or of questionable value

an erratic

Focuses on the lack of consistency or predictability

a questionable

Implies doubt regarding the validity or reliability of the subject

an inconsistent

Refers to a lack of steady behavior or performance

a shaky

Informal term for something that is unstable or likely to fail

a fickle

Used primarily for people who change their minds or loyalties frequently

an unstable

Suggests a systemic lack of balance or permanence

a flaky

Informal and colloquial term for an unreliable person

FAQs

Is "a unreliable" correct in English?

No, "a unreliable" is considered grammatically incorrect. The word 'unreliable' starts with a vowel sound, so it should be preceded by the article "an unreliable".

What is a better way to say "a unreliable"?

You should use the grammatically correct "an unreliable" or choose a different adjective such as "a dubious" or "a questionable" if you want to avoid the vowel sound.

Why do I see "a unreliable" in news articles?

While it appears in some sources, it is almost always a typographical error or a result of last-minute editing where an adjective was changed but the article was not updated. It is not an accepted stylistic choice.

Can I use "a unreliable" in formal writing?

You should strictly avoid using "a unreliable" in formal or professional contexts. Using "an untrustworthy" or "an unreliable" ensures your writing remains professional and accurate.