The correct phrase is "an hour." Here’s why:
- Vowel Sounds: The choice between "a" and "an" depends on the sound that follows. "Hour" begins with a vowel sound (/aʊər/), so "an" is used for smoother pronunciation.
- General Rule: Use "an" before words that start with a vowel sound (e.g., an apple, an elephant) and "a" before consonant sounds (e.g., a dog, a cat).
In summary, since "hour" starts with a vowel sound, you should say "an hour."