an utopian

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "an utopian" is not correct in written English.
The correct term is "utopian." For example, "The idea of world peace was seen as a utopian dream."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The word also seems to have an utopian meaning.

The New York Times

I'm no great fan of utopias, having visited and worked at several communities with an utopian bent in the early 1970s.

The Guardian

In an utopian situation people would just be able to work on what they wanted and focus on maximising their own contribution to the organisation.

The Guardian

Looking ahead, he posits an utopian universe in which books will be ordered from the Internet and printed on demand by A.T.M.-like A.T.M.-likeoing away with machinesn andoingulting in lower costs for reaways.

The New York Times - Books

Don't get me wrong, everyone at camp was incredibly nice, accepting, and sincere, it was an utopian bubble in fact.

Huffington Post

"We don't really know what the future is going to look like but here are some varying options of things that might happen in an utopian or dystopian future".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mr. Whitman had variously called himself a communist, a utopian and a humanist.

The New York Times - Books

He was a utopian, an idealist, but in practice anti almost everything: nothing lived up to his ideals.

The Guardian

Warren is not a utopian but a leveller, a soldier of comeuppance and retribution.

The New Yorker

He was a realist, not a utopian fantasist.

The Economist

Strong doesn't care if he sounds like a utopian in a planet short of utopians.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the indefinite article "a" before words that begin with a consonant sound. "Utopian" begins with a consonant sound (even though the letter 'u' is a vowel), so "a utopian" is correct.

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words that start with a consonant sound. While "an" is generally used before vowels, it's the sound that matters. For example, use "a university" not "an university".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an utopian" functions as a modifier describing a noun, but it's grammatically incorrect. As noted by Ludwig AI, the proper construction is with the indefinite article "a", since "utopian" begins with a consonant sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

14%

Reference

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "an utopian" might be encountered, it's grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct usage is "a utopian" because "utopian" begins with a consonant sound. Although Ludwig provides examples where the incorrect form is used, it's important to prioritize correct grammar for clear communication. Consider using alternative phrases such as "a utopian idea" or "utopian ideal" to accurately convey the intended meaning. Remember to use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds to avoid common grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a utopian idea

Uses the correct article "a" instead of "an" before the consonant sound of "utopian".

utopian ideal

Removes the article altogether, focusing on the concept itself.

an ideal society

Replaces "utopian" with a synonymous phrase, while maintaining grammatical correctness.

a perfect world

Offers a simpler, more common way to express the idea of utopia.

an idealistic vision

Emphasizes the high-minded and principled nature of the utopian concept.

a visionary concept

Shifts the focus to the forward-thinking and imaginative aspect of a utopian idea.

a flawless system

Focuses on the element of perfection and order often associated with utopian societies.

a dreamlike scenario

Highlights the fantastical and often unrealistic nature of utopian aspirations.

an elysian state

Uses a more literary and evocative term to describe a perfect or ideal place.

a chimerical scheme

Emphasizes the unrealistic and illusory nature of utopian ideas.

FAQs

Why is "an utopian" grammatically incorrect?

The correct article depends on the sound of the word that follows. "Utopian" begins with a consonant sound (even though the letter 'u' is a vowel), therefore, "a utopian" is the correct form.

What are some alternatives to "an utopian" that I can use?

Instead of "an utopian", you can use alternatives such as "a utopian idea", "utopian ideal", or "an ideal society".

When should I use "a" versus "an"?

Use "a" before words that begin with a consonant sound, and "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound. For example, "a car" but "an apple". It's the sound, not the letter, that matters.

Is there a situation where "an" can be used before a word starting with 'u'?

Yes, if the 'u' has a vowel sound like "uh". For instance, "an umbrella" is correct. However, in "utopian," the 'u' sounds like "you", a consonant sound, so you should use "a utopian".