A or An?
The choice between a and an depends on the sound that follows — not the spelling.
- a before a consonant sound: a cat, a university (/j/ sound), a European (/j/ sound)
- an before a vowel sound: an apple, an hour (/aw/ — h is silent), an honest person
It's about the sound, not the letter!
- a uniform (starts with /j/ sound — consonant)
- an umbrella (starts with /ʌ/ sound — vowel)
- an hour (h is silent → starts with /aʊ/ — vowel)
When to Use the Indefinite Article
1. Introducing something for the first time
I saw a dog in the park. The dog was barking. (First mention → a; second mention, now specific → the)
2. Referring to any one member of a group (non-specific)
Could I have a glass of water please? (any glass)
3. With jobs and roles
She is a doctor. He became an engineer.
4. With singular countable nouns in general statements
A lion is a dangerous animal.
When NOT to Use the Indefinite Article
- Uncountable nouns: ✗ a water — ✓ some water / water
- Plural nouns: ✗ a cats — ✓ cats / some cats
- When using the: the dog (specific) vs. a dog (any dog)
Real world: job advertisement
We are looking for a motivated individual to join our team as an assistant manager. The role requires a university degree and an ability to work under pressure.
Real world: first mention in a story
There was once a small village at the top of a hill. In the village lived an old woman who kept an unusual pet — a rare blue parrot.
Practice Problems
Choose: 'She is __ honest person.' (a / an)
Show answer
Choose: 'He bought __ new uniform.' (a / an)
Show answer
Is this correct? 'I need a information about the bus.' Fix if needed.