How to use Articles a and an | English Grammar

Introduction

In English grammar, “a” and “an” are indefinite articles used to introduce a nonspecific or unidentified noun. The choice between “a” and “an” depends on the sound that follows the article. 

“A”: The indefinite article “a” is used before words that begin with a consonant sound. It is also used before words that begin with a vowel sound, but the vowel sound is pronounced as a consonant sound. Here are some examples: 

“I saw a cat in the garden.” (Pronounced as “kat”) 

“He bought a book at the store.” (pronounced as “buk”) 

“She is studying for a university exam.” (Pronounced as “yoo-ni-ver-si-ty”) 

“We need a pen for the presentation.” (Pronounced as “pen”) 

“He wants to become a doctor.” (Pronounced as “dok-ter”) 

In these examples, “cat,” “book,” “university,” “pen,” and “doctor” all begin with consonant sounds. 

“An”: The indefinite article “an” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. It is also used before words that begin with a consonant sound but have a vowel sound when pronounced. Consider the following examples: 

“She has an apple in her hand.” (Pronounced as “ap-ul”) 

“He is an honest person.” (Pronounced as “on-est”) 

“I saw an owl in the tree.” (Pronounced as “ow-ul”) 

“She wants to be an actress.” (Pronounced as “ak-tris”) 

“He is an hour late.” (Pronounced as “ow-er”) 

In these examples, “apple,” “honest,” “owl,” “actress,” and “hour” all begin with vowel sounds. 

It is worth noting that the choice between “a” and “an” is based on the sound rather than the actual letter at the beginning of the word. For example: 

“An hour” (pronounced as “ow-er”): The word “hour” begins with the consonant letter “h,” but it has a vowel sound at the beginning, so we use “an.” 

“A university” (pronounced as “yoo-ni-ver-si-ty”): The word “university” begins with the vowel letter “u,” but it has a consonant sound at the beginning, so we use “a.” 

Understanding the distinction between “a” and “an” is essential for maintaining correct grammar and ensuring proper noun-noun agreement in sentences. By paying attention to the sounds that follow these articles, you can use “a” and “an” appropriately to introduce nouns in your writing and speech, creating grammatically accurate and clear expressions. 

Consonant Sound: A consonant sound is produced when airflow is restricted or obstructed in some way by the articulatory organs (such as lips, tongue, teeth, etc.) while pronouncing a particular sound. Consonant sounds are typically associated with letters like “b,” “c,” “d,” “f,” “g,” “h,” “j,” “k,” “l,” “m,” “n,” “p,” “q,” “r,” “s,” “t,” “v,” “w,” “x,” “y,” and “z.” For example: 

• “She saw a cat.” The word “cat” begins with the consonant sound /k/ (“kuh”). 
• “He has a book.” The word “book” begins with the consonant sound /b/ (“buh”). 
• “I visited a university.” The word “university” begins with the consonant sound /j/ (“yoo-ni-ver-si-ty”). 

Vowel Sound: A vowel sound is produced when there is no significant airflow obstruction or restriction, and the vocal cords vibrate freely while pronouncing a particular sound. Vowel sounds are typically associated with the letters “a,” “e,” “i,” “o,” and “u.” For example: 

• “She saw an elephant.” The word “elephant” begins with the vowel sound /ɛ/ (“el-uh-fuhnt”). 

• “He has an apple.” The word “apple” begins with the vowel sound /æ/ (“ap-uhl”). 
• “I saw an owl.” The word “owl” begins with the vowel sound /aʊ/ (“ow-ul”). 

Exception Rule: The exception to the rule of using “a” before consonant sounds and “an” before vowel sounds lies in the pronunciation rather than the actual letter used. The rule is based on the sound that follows the article rather than the specific letter at the beginning of the word. 

In some cases, words that begin with vowel letters can have a consonant sound at the beginning when pronounced. In such cases, “a” is used instead of “an.” Here are some examples: 

• “A university” (pronounced as “yoo-ni-ver-si-ty”): Although “university” starts with the vowel letter “u,” it is pronounced with a consonant sound /j/ (“yoo-ni-ver-si-ty”). 

• “A one-time opportunity” (pronounced as “wun-tahym”): Even though “one-time” starts with the vowel letter “o,” it is pronounced with a consonant sound /w/ (“wun-tahym”). 

In these cases, the choice of using “a” or “an” is determined by the sound that follows the article, rather than the spelling of the word itself. 

Understanding the distinction between consonant and vowel sounds is essential for determining whether to use “a” or “an” correctly in sentences, while also being aware of the exception rule that takes pronunciation into account. 

Instructions: Choose the correct indefinite article (“a” or “an”) to complete each sentence. 

1. I saw ___ elephant at the zoo. 
2. She wants to become ___ actress. 
3. He is eating ___ apple. 
4. We need ___ pen for the presentation. 
5. It’s ___ honor to meet you. 
6. He bought ___ new car. 
7. She is reading ___ interesting book. 
8. They live in ___ old house. 
9. Can I have ___ glass of water? 
10. He wants to be ___ astronaut. 
11. She has ___ university degree. 
12. He is wearing ___ blue shirt. 
13. I saw ___ owl in the tree. 
14. She wants to adopt ___ dog. 
15. It’s ___ pleasure to see you again. 
16. He is an expert in ___ field. 
17. We need ___ appointment to see the doctor. 
18. She is attending ___ conference next week. 
19. Can you pass me ___ tissue? 
20. He wants to be ___ engineer. 
21. She is studying for ___ exam. 
22. He bought ___ expensive watch. 
23. I saw ___ turtle at the beach. 
24. She wants to buy ___ house. 
25. It’s ___ honor to be invited. 
26. He is a member of ___ club. 
27. She needs ___ umbrella for the rain. 
28. They live in ___ apartment. 
29. Can I have ___ piece of cake? 
30. He wants to be ___ artist. 
31. She has ___ amazing talent. 
32. He is wearing ___ black hat. 
33. I saw ___ eagle in the sky. 
34. She wants to adopt ___ kitten. 
35. It’s ___ pleasure to meet your family. 
36. He is an actor in ___ movie. 
37. We need ___ invoice for the payment. 
38. She is attending ___ exhibition tomorrow. 
39. Can you pass me ___ pen? 
40. He wants to be ___ lawyer. 
41. She is studying for ___ test. 
42. He bought ___ antique vase. 
43. I saw ___ ant in the kitchen. 
44. She wants to buy ___ bicycle. 
45. It’s ___ honor to be recognized. 
46. He is a citizen of ___ country. 
47. She needs ___ extra chair for the guests. 
48. They live in ___ old farmhouse. 
49. Can I have ___ slice of pizza? 
50. He wants to be ___ entrepreneur. 

Answers: 

1. an 
2. an 
3. an 
4. a 
5. an 
6. a 
7. an 
8. an 
9. a 
10. an 
11. a 
12. a 
13. an 
14. a 
15. a 
16. a 
17. an 
18. a 
19. a 
20. an 
21. an 
22. an 
23. a 
24. a 
25. an 
26. a 
27. an 
28. an 
29. a 
30. an 
31. an 
32. a 
33. an 
34. a 
35. a 
36. a 
37. an 
38. an 
39. a 
40. a 
41. a 
42. an 
43. an 
44. a 
45. an 
46. a 
47. an 
48. an 
49. a 
50. an 

Feel free to go through the questions and answers to practice your understanding and usage of “a” and “an” in various contexts.