Uses of Indefinite Articles ‘A’ and ‘An’ in English

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Basic English : Indefinite Articles

INDEFINITE ARTICLES

INDEFINITE ARTICLES "A" and "An"

Indefinite articles are used before singular countable nouns only.

There are two kinds of indefinite articles:

1. Article "A"
2. Article "An"

Uses of indefinite articles - "A"

A : We use “a” before a word beginning with a consonant.

Examples: Use of "a"

if word starts with a consonant use "a"

This is a pen.
That is a book.
There is a person waiting for you.

Uses of indefinite articles - "AN"

AN : We use “an” before a word beginning with a vowel sound (a,e,i,o & u)

Examples: Use of "an"

if word starts with a vowel use "an"

There is an egg on the table.
There is an orange in the bag.
An inkpot is on the table.
An elephant is a huge animal.
An umbrella is useful in monsoon and summer.

Besides 5 vowels we also use “an” before “h” when it is not pronounced as “H” eg. Hour, Honor, Heir, Honorary, Honorable.

Examples: Use of "an"

I have an hour to go.
Ramesh is an honorable person.
Geeta is an honorary secretary.
Vinod gets an honorarium for the club he works.
Note: When pronounced as ‘H’ we use "a" – A hospital/hotel/horse.

More Examples: Use of "a" and "an"

George is a European National. (Not an European)
Patel is an MLA. (Not a MLA)
He is a union leader. (Not an union leader)
He is a university player. (Not an University player)
She is an intelligent girl. (When adjective is used before a noun)
There is a small Boy. (When adjective is used before a noun)
Note: We use an with – Uncle, Indian, Army, Answer, Interview, Envelope, Ape, Owl, Axe, Ant, Old, Insect, Island, Oyster, Artist, Aeroplane, Orange, Important, MA / MP/ SDO / LLB /M.Phil, H. K. College, Octopus, Aquarium, Iron, Eagle, Exhibition, Urgent.

Other uses of indefinite articles - A/An:

1. We use “a” when we refer to a person / thing as a representative of a class:

Examples:

A cow gives milk.
A cat catches a rat.
A rose is a beautiful flower.

2. We use “a” while expressing rate, speed, measure etc.

Examples:

How much he earns a day ?
Take this tablet three time a day.
This bike runs 100 kms. a liter.
Ghee is Rs. 130/- a Kg.

What is the price of a note book ?
The train goes once a week.
I travel to Baroda once a week.
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3. We use “a” while indicating a profession.

Examples:

He is a university player.
He is a Doctor.
He wants to become a Pilot.

4. We use “a” to mean same.

Examples:

Birds of a feather flock together.
Pants are all of a size.

5. We use “a” in exclamatory expressions.

Examples:

What a pity !
What a lovely weather !
What a surprise !
It is a pleasant surprise !

6. We use “a” to indicate unfamiliarity.

Examples:

I met a Mr.Trivedi.
There is a lady to see you.

7. We use “a” to make a common noun of a proper noun.

Examples:

He is a Shakespear of day. (A famous writer)
He is a Herculus. (He was giant strong man)

We do not use indefinite articles - A/An.

1. Before uncountable nouns (Material & Abstract) like news, sugar, coffee, paper, water, advise, cloths, hair, courage, honesty, beauty, gold, Money.