Indefinite Article

A1 Beginner

The indefinite articles 'a' and 'an' introduce singular countable nouns when the specific identity of the noun is not known or important. They indicate that the noun is one of many rather than a specific individual item.

Overview

The indefinite article is used with singular countable nouns to refer to something for the first time or to describe a person's profession. A is used before words starting with a consonant sound, while an is used before words starting with a vowel sound.

Use it for non-specific items: I need a pen.
Use it for jobs: She is an engineer.

Form

a + consonant sound / an + vowel sound

The choice between 'a' and 'an' depends on the sound at the start of the following word, not just the spelling.

A vs. An

Note that 'university' starts with a 'y' sound (consonant), so it takes 'a'. 'Hour' has a silent 'h', so it starts with a vowel sound and takes 'an'.

Article	Usage Rule	Examples
a	Before consonant sounds	a cat, a house, a university
an	Before vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u)	an apple, an hour, an orange

Examples

Common mistakes

I am teacher.
I am a teacher.
In English, you must use an article when stating a person's profession.
I have a oranges.
I have oranges.
Indefinite articles are only used with singular nouns, never with plural nouns.

Practice

Choose the correct article: She is ___ architect.
Show answer
an
Answer:an
Why:Architect starts with a vowel sound (a), so 'an' is required.
Choose the correct article: I have ___ dog and two cats.
Show answer
a
Answer:a
Why:Dog starts with a consonant sound (d), so 'a' is used.
Is this correct? 'I saw an university.'
Show answer
No
Answer:No
Why:University starts with a 'y' sound, which is a consonant sound, so it should be 'a university'.