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.
Much, Many, A Lot Of
A2
Use 'many' with countable nouns and 'much' with uncountable nouns, usually in questions and negatives. 'A lot of' works with both and is common in positive statements.
A Few and A Little
A2
'A few' means a small but positive amount with countable nouns; 'a little' does the same for uncountable nouns. Without 'a', 'few' and 'little' sound more negative.
All, Every, Each
B1
'All' refers to a whole group together; 'every' and 'each' look at members one by one. 'Every' takes a singular noun and a singular verb, as does 'each'.
Both, Either, Neither
B1
These words talk about two things. 'Both' means the two together, 'either' means one or the other, and 'neither' means not one and not the other.