Indefinite Articles: A and An

Articles A and An Exercises (A1 Level)

We use a and an when we talk about one thing, but not a specific one.

When do we use a?

Use a before words that start with a consonant sound.

Examples:

• I have a dog.

• She wants a sandwich.

• He is a teacher.

When do we use an?

Use an before words that start with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).

Examples:

• She eats an apple.

• It is an old house.

• He saw an elephant.

Remember: We use a / an only with singular countable nouns.

Correct:

• I bought a book.

Not correct:

• I bought a books.

Use a / an when the listener does not know exactly which thing you mean.