A / An (Indefinite Article)
Use 'a' or 'an' before singular countable nouns when you mention something for the first time or talk about it in a general, non-specific way. Use 'a' before a consonant sound and 'an' before a vowel sound.
Level A1
Articles
Summary
- Use 'a' or 'an' before singular countable nouns when you mention something for the first time or talk about it in a general, non-specific way. Use 'a' before a consonant sound and 'an' before a vowel sound.
Structure
a + consonant sound | an + vowel sound
Examples
- I saw a dog in the park.
- She is an engineer.
- He waited for an hour.
- Can I have a glass of water?
Common mistakes
- • Don't choose a/an by spelling alone: it's 'an hour' (silent h) and 'a university' (the 'yu' sound).
- • Don't use a/an with plural or uncountable nouns: NOT 'a waters' → 'some water'.
More articles
The (Definite Article)
A2
Use 'the' when it is clear which specific thing you mean — because it was already mentioned, is unique, or is known from the situation.
Zero Article (No Article)
A2
Use no article with plural and uncountable nouns when talking generally, and with most names of people, countries, meals, languages, and abstract ideas.
Quantifiers and Articles Review: A / An / The / Zero
B1
Choose between a/an (one of many, first mention), the (specific or known), and no article (general plural/uncountable) depending on whether the noun is specific and countable.