an hypocrite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an hypocrite" is not correct in written English.
The correct form is "a hypocrite" because "hypocrite" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "He was called a hypocrite for criticizing others while engaging in the same behavior."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That Angelo is an adulterous thiefe, An hypocrite, a virgin violator, Is it not strange?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Vitter is a hypocrite, a coward, and a liar.

Huffington Post

And I had been a hypocrite, a right old bigot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He calls him a Hypocrite and a traitor to God.

The New York Times

The eponymous antihero is a hypocrite and a conman.

The Guardian - Books

Kouchner is also damned as a hypocrite and a dupe.

The New York Times - Magazine

(b) Continue to be a demagogue and a hypocrite.

The New York Times

"As a Christian, he's a hypocrite.

The New Yorker

George Orwell observed that "a humanitarian is always a hypocrite".

The New York Times - Magazine

If I'm a Nimby, he's a hypocrite.

BBC

"So he's saying that Santorum's a hypocrite, that Bush is a hypocrite?" Specter snapped.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "a" before "hypocrite", as the word begins with a consonant sound. The correct article is determined by pronunciation, not spelling.

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words that start with a consonant sound, even if the letter is a vowel (like in "hypocrite"). Remember, it's about the sound, not the letter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an hypocrite" functions incorrectly as a noun phrase because it violates basic English grammar rules. Ludwig AI indicates the correct form is "a hypocrite".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "an hypocrite" appears in some sources, it's grammatically incorrect. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the correct usage is "a hypocrite" because "hypocrite" begins with a consonant sound. This phrase is intended to label someone as being inconsistent between their words and actions. While examples of the incorrect usage exist, primarily within news and media, sticking to the grammatically correct "a hypocrite" will ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hypocrite

Corrects the grammatical error of using "an" before a word starting with a consonant sound.

Someone who doesn't practice what they preach

Expresses hypocrisy as a failure to adhere to one's own proclaimed beliefs.

A two-faced person

Uses a common idiom to describe someone who says one thing and does another.

A pretender

Shifts the focus from inconsistency to deceitful presentation.

A deceiver

Highlights the act of misleading others, a core element of hypocrisy.

An insincere individual

Replaces the noun with a more descriptive adjective.

A fraud

Emphasizes the fraudulent nature of the person's actions or beliefs.

A double-dealer

Highlights the betrayal of trust inherent in hypocrisy.

A wolf in sheep's clothing

Employs a metaphor to convey hidden malicious intent beneath a facade of innocence.

A pharisee

Uses a biblical reference to denote someone who adheres to religious law but lacks genuine piety.

FAQs

Why is "a hypocrite" correct and not "an hypocrite"?

The correct article to use before "hypocrite" is "a" because the word begins with a consonant sound, even though it starts with the vowel "h". The general rule is to use "an" only before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What are some synonyms for "a hypocrite"?

Alternatives include "a pretender", "a deceiver", or "a two-faced person", depending on the context.

How can I use the term "a hypocrite" in a sentence?

Example: "He was labeled "a hypocrite" for condemning others' actions while secretly engaging in the same behavior."

Is there a difference between being "a hypocrite" and being insincere?

While both terms describe negative qualities, ""a hypocrite"" specifically refers to someone who doesn't practice what they preach, whereas insincerity implies a lack of genuine feeling or intention.