Grammar Glow

Indefinite Articles

Indefinite articles "a" and "an" refer to nonspecific singular nouns. "A" is used before words starting with consonant sounds, and "an" is used before vowel sounds.

The Role of "a" and "an"

Indefinite articles introduce something general or non-specific:
First mention: "I saw a cat." (Any cat, not a specific one)
Professions: "She is a doctor."
Generalization: "I need an umbrella."

Usage of "a" and "an"

When to Use "a"

Use "a" before words that begin with a consonant sound. This rule is based on the pronunciation of the word, not necessarily the first letter.

Examples

a book (one book)
a car (one car)
a university (one university, pronounced /juː/)
a house (one house)

When to Use "an"

Use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound. This includes words that begin with silent consonants, where the vowel sound dominates.

Examples

an apple (one apple)
an elephant (one elephant)
an hour (silent "h", pronounced /aʊr/)
an honest person (silent "h", pronounced /ɒnɪst/)

Special Cases

Some words have unusual pronunciations that affect whether to use "a" or "an". These special cases are determined by the sound of the first syllable rather than the spelling.

Examples

a European (pronounced /jʊrəˈpiːən/, begins with a "y" sound)
an MBA (pronounced /ɛm-bi-eɪ/, begins with a vowel sound)

Indefinite Articles with Adjectives

1. Placement of Indefinite Articles Before Adjectives

When an adjective describes a noun, the indefinite article ("a" or "an") comes before the adjective. The article is still chosen based on the sound of the adjective that follows it, not the noun.

Examples

a beautiful day (adjective "beautiful" starts with a consonant sound)
an interesting book (adjective "interesting" starts with a vowel sound)

2. Rules and Examples

The same rules for choosing "a" or "an" apply when adjectives are used:

"A" before adjectives starting with a consonant sound::

a tall building

a smart student

a unique idea (pronounced /juːˈniːk/)

"An" before adjectives starting with a vowel sound:

an old house

an exciting story

an honest opinion (silent "h")

Indefinite Articles The Role of "a" and "an"Usage of "a" and "an"Indefinite Articles with Adjectives