The articles “a” and “an”
The article “a” is placed before a singular noun that begins with a consonant sound.
For example, a car.
The article “an” is placed before a singular noun that begins with a vowel sound.
For example, an apple.
Remember, vowels are words beginning with the letter a, e, i, o, u
When should I use the article “a” or “an
The article “a” is used before a noun with an unknown identity. For example, ‘I’m going to buy a car’. By saying this, you’re telling the listener that you will buy a car but you aren’t aware of the make and model of the car you will purchase.
The same is true for the article “an.” For example, ‘I will eat an apple’. By saying this, you’re telling the listener that you aren’t aware of which apple you will eat.
The particles “a” and “an” aren’t the same as the article “the”
The articles “a” and “an” are indefinite. They refer to a noun of an unknown identity. As we mentioned earlier, “a car,” can be any car with any specification.
The article “the” refers to a noun of known identity. For example, ‘The car is blue’.
Examples
She is a happy girl.
He gave an explanation
Let’s practice
Q1: He is ____honest man.
Answer: an
Q2: Do you have _____dog?
Answer: a
Q3: Make your own sentence.
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