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The Indefinite Article: A/AN

Read on for detailed descriptions, examples, and exercises.


The indefinite articles are the words "a" or "an".
They are used before a noun to defined them as something non-specific.
The indefinite articles are used to refer to something for the first time or to refer to a particular member of a group or class.

The Indefinite Articles Examples

a + consonant (b, d, f, g, h, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, z) an + vowel (a, e, i, o, u)
I have a router I have an orange
I have a glass I have an onion
I see a man I have an apple
I see a house I have an iron

Specific cases

Some nouns begin with a consonant but they do not begin with a consonant sound.

When applying a or an trust the sound, not the letter.

Incorrect: a hourglass
Correct: an hourglass
Incorrect: a honor
Correct: an honor

Hour starts with "h", but it is silent, so the first sound is a vowel.

Some nouns begin with a vowel, but make a consonant sound.

Some nouns begin with a vowel, but make a consonant sound.
Incorrect: an university
Correct: a university

University starts with "u", but it is pronounced as if it begins with the consonant "y".

Incorrect: an one-eyed pirate
Correct: a one-eyed pirate
When spoken, the word "one" sounds as if it begins with "w".

This rule applies also to acronyms.
Consonants with vowel sounds are: f, h, l, m, n, r, s and x.
an SST, an SOW
Vowels with consonant sounds a U-turn


Exercises - The Indefinite Article: A/AN

Next Lessson
Please answer all questions.

Score: 0

Restart this test
  • 1) My mom sees the a an hotel.


  • 2) He reads an the a essay.


  • 3) An A uncle


  • 4) An A apple


  • 5) A An zoo


  • 6) An A cake


  • 7) An A tomato


  • 8) We watch a the an new movie.


  • 9) Do you have a an the brother?


  • 10) A An ice-cream


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