Indefinite Article
a / an
a / an
Beginner
CEFR levels A1 (Breakthrough) and A2 (Waystage)
CEFR levels A1 (Breakthrough) and A2 (Waystage)
a is used when the pronunciation of the next word starts with a consonant (b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n , p, q, r, s, t, v, w)
a book
a car
a house
a computer
a hobby
a uniform
a university
a one-man show
a one-armed bandit
a book
a car
a house
a computer
a hobby
a uniform
a university
a one-man show
a one-armed bandit
an is used when the pronunciation of the next word starts with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u)
an egg
an umbrella
an oven
an apple
an inch
an hour
an honest girl
an MP
an egg
an umbrella
an oven
an apple
an inch
an hour
an honest girl
an MP
The indefinite article is used:
- before singular countable nouns, when it is unclear, or unimportant, which one we are talking about.
This is a very good story.
She is a very difficult child.
- when referring to something in general, but not a specific case.
A horse is an animal one should be careful with.
- when referring to someone's profession, belief, title or nationality.
She is a Catholic.
She is a duchess.
He is an Irishman.
Intermediate
CEFR levels B1 (Threshold) and B2 (Vantage)
CEFR levels B1 (Threshold) and B2 (Vantage)
The indefinite article is also used when referring to frequency:
twice a day
four times a month
The indefinite article is not used when only one person at a time can fulfill a particular position.
She is Duchess of York.
He is President of the U.S.A.