Indefinite Articles A An Usage RulesSet 7
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use "a" versus "an" before a noun?
Use "a" before a noun that starts with a consonant sound and "an" before a noun that starts with a vowel sound. For example, "a book" and "an apple."
How do indefinite articles function with singular countable nouns?
Indefinite articles "a" and "an" are used with singular countable nouns to refer to a non-specific item. For example, "a cat" refers to any cat, not a specific one.
What is the rule for using indefinite articles with vowel sounds?
The indefinite article "an" is used before words that start with a vowel sound, regardless of the actual first letter. For example, "an hour" because "hour" starts with a vowel sound.
How do indefinite articles differ in French and Spanish?
In French, the indefinite article is "un" for masculine and "une" for feminine nouns. In Spanish, it is "un" for masculine and "una" for feminine nouns. Both languages use gender agreement.
How do indefinite articles work with adjectives in a sentence?
Indefinite articles are placed before adjectives that modify a singular countable noun. For example, "a red car" where "red" is the adjective modifying "car."