Tutor profile: Michelle N.

How do you know when to use "a" and when to use "an" while speaking?

This rule is commonly misunderstood. Instead of looking at the initial letter of the word, you should focus on the initial sound. "A" precedes words beginning with a consonant sound while "an" precedes words beginning with a vowel sound. Examples: A dog. An apple. A unicorn. An honor.

What is a preposition? Give an example.

A preposition is a word or group of words used before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, time, place/location, spatial relationships or to introduce an object. An example of a prepositional phrase used in a sentence: "There is a cat [under the table]"

What is B-roll (in a video or film)? How is it used in editing?

B-roll is footage that is supplemental or secondary to the primary footage. B-roll in editing is often used as a device to cut away from the main focus of the video and to give the video some variation.