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.

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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.

a + consonant sound | an + vowel sound

Examples

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'.

Related

The (Definite Article) Zero Article (No Article)

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.

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