a untenable

USAGE SUMMARY

"a untenable" is not correct; it should be "an untenable." You can use it to describe a situation or argument that cannot be defended or maintained. Example: "The proposal was deemed an untenable solution to the problem." Alternative expressions include "an indefensible" and "an unsustainable."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Repaying a microloan can become an untenable proposition.

The New York Times

This is an untenable situation and an affront to the rule of law.

Los Angeles Times

It also created an untenable situation in which a one-year repeal is followed by reinstatement.

The New York Times

Lauer describes Touchet as "a great guy" who was in "an untenable situation".

The New Yorker

"It's an untenable situation for them in a lot of ways.

The Guardian - Film

It leaves Pelosi, and to a larger extent the Democratic Party, in an untenable position.

The Washington Post

Fundamentally though, everyone understands that a world with no ads online is an untenable one.

TechCrunch

Fundamentally though, everyone understands that a world with no ads online is an untenable one.

TechCrunch

No wonder a happy retirement is starting to look like an untenable indulgence.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was not a role she enjoyed, especially in a trial where the prosecution was working with an untenable indictment.

The New Yorker

"The people on the street are in an untenable position and that puts officers in an untenable position when it comes to policing".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article 'an' before 'untenable' because the word starts with a vowel sound (/ʌ/). The rule for 'a' vs 'an' depends on the sound that follows, not just the letter.

Common error

Avoid using the article 'a' simply because you are writing quickly. Even in informal notes, using "a untenable" suggests a lack of attention to phonetic flow which can undermine the authority of the sophisticated adjective that follows.

How to use

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

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a untenable" serves as a noun modifier, though it is technically a malformed one. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is a failure to apply the 'an' article rule for words beginning with vowel sounds. In all high-quality examples from Ludwig, the adjective 'untenable' is paired with 'an' to function as an attributive adjective describing nouns like 'position', 'situation' or 'theory'.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The search for "a untenable" highlights a common phonetic slip in English writing. While the adjective 'untenable' is a powerful tool for describing situations that are fragile or indefensible, it must always be preceded by the article 'an'. Ludwig AI confirms that elite sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian never use the 'a' variant. Writers should ensure they use "an untenable" to maintain professional standards, especially in academic and journalistic contexts where this term is most prevalent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an untenable

Corrects the indefinite article to match the vowel sound of the adjective

an unsustainable

Suggests that a situation or practice cannot be continued at the current rate

an indefensible

Emphasizes that an argument or position cannot be protected from criticism

an unviable

Indicates that a plan or strategy is not capable of working successfully

an impossible

Provides a simpler, broader term for something that cannot be achieved or maintained

a precarious

Describes a situation that is not securely held or in position and likely to collapse

an unsound

Focuses on the logical or structural flaws of a theory or building

an unjustifiable

Notes that a certain action or position cannot be shown to be right or reasonable

a doomed

Suggests that the situation is certain to fail or be destroyed

an unworkable

Implies that a specific policy or method is not practical or effective

FAQs

Is "a untenable" correct?

No, it is incorrect. You should always use "an untenable" because 'untenable' begins with a vowel sound.

What can I say instead of "a untenable"?

You can use corrected phrases like "an untenable" or synonyms such as "an unsustainable" or "an indefensible".

Why is it "an untenable" and not "a untenable"?

English grammar requires 'an' before words that start with a vowel sound. Since 'untenable' starts with the /ʌ/ sound, 'an' is the grammatically correct choice.

How do you use "an untenable situation" in a sentence?

A typical example would be: "The current debt levels have created "an untenable situation" for the local government."