Articles A vs. An: – Today in this post we shall discuss with you on the English Topic Article A Vs An Correctly in detail. In the earlier post you have read about the Kitchen Utencils in detail.
Articles A vs An-
How to Use Indefinite Articles A and An Correctly
A vs. an! When speaking or writing in English, you will notice that there are two forms of the indefinite article, ‘a’ and ‘an’, but which one should you use and when? In this section, we are going to be studying the two forms of the indefinite article as a way of gaining a greater understanding of their use. By the end of the section, you will confident in choosing whether to use ‘a’ or ‘an’ in your spoken and written English.
Learn how to use indefinite articles A and An correctly in English with 13 useful grammar rules and example sentences.
What are Indefinite Articles? A and An
The words a and an are called indefinite articles. We can use them with singular nouns to talk about any single person or thing. Deciding which indefinite article to place in front of a word depends upon the initial sound of the word, not the first letter of the word.
हाऊ टू यूज इनडेफिनेट आर्टिकल्स ए एंड एन कोरेक्टली-
When to Use “A”
‘A’ is used before words beginning with a consonant sound.
For example:
A man
A hat
A lamp
A teacher
A cat
A book
When to Use “AN”
The article ‘an’ should be placed before words that begin with a vowel sound. The initial sound should be a, e, i, o, or u.
For example:
An apple
An egg
An island
An article
An umbrella
An hour
Articles A vs An-
There are 13 Rules for Using Indefinite Articles which are given as under-
Rule No.1-
‘A’ must be used before words which begin with a vowel symbol pronounced with the same sound as the ‘y’ or a ‘w’-like sound.
For example:-
A Euro
A unicycle
A union,
A unique
A united
A university
A user
A unicorn
Rule No.2-
Sometimes, ‘an’ is found before words beginning with the letter ‘h’.
Silent ‘h’ : ‘an’ is used before these words.
For example:
An hour
An honor
An heir
An heirloom
An hourly
An honorarium
An honesty
An honorary
But this practice is going out. If ‘h’ is pronounced, ‘a’ is used:
A hamburger
A hall
A hat
A hacksaw
A horse
A house
Rule No.3-
We use ‘an’ before abbreviations that begin with vowel sound.
For example-
An M.A.
An M.Sc.
An M.B.B.S.
An M.L.A.
An N.C.C Officer
An M.Com.
An M.C.A
An M.B.A
Rule No.4-
A or an must be used before a singular noun standing for things that can be counted.
For example-
He was sitting in a chair.
She had a bottle in each hand.
Did you bring an umbrella?
I would like an apple.
Rule No.5-
A or an must be used before the names of professions.
For example-
She is a director.
Peter is an actor.
Rule No.6-
Words like hero, genius, fool, thief, and liar take the indefinite article.
For example-
We all regarded him as a hero.
I suspect he is a thief.
Articles A vs An-
Rule No.7-
The following word has indefinite article. Such + a/an + noun (or) Such + a/an + adjective + noun.
For example-
Such a policy
Such a long trip
Such a great teacher
Such an attractive woman
Rule No.8-
The following word has indefinite article. so + adjective + a/an + noun.
For example–
So boring a book
So beautiful an actress
Articles A vs An-
Rule No.9-
‘Few’ and ‘Little’ are negative meaning. ‘A few’ and ‘a little’ are positive and mean ‘some‘.
For example-
He is young and has little experience of life.
Sweeten the mixture with a little honey.
He had few coppers in his pocket.
I went to spend a few days at the seaside.
Rule No.10-
In its original numerical sense of one.
For example-
Not a word was said.
Twelve inches make a foot.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
I have a novel with an intricate plot.
Rule No.11-
A ,an = one thing or person.
For example-
She works in a hospital.
There’s a problem with the drains.
I’ve got a puppy.
There was a girl sitting next to him.
Rule No.12-
We use a an when we say what a thing or a person is.
For example-
“Coca Cola” is a beverage.
Badminton is an indoor game.
A dog is a domestic animal.
Mary is a shy girl.
Rule No.13-
We use a an for jobs, etc.
For example-
She works as a nurse in a hospital.
John is a fireman.
I want to be a doctor.
She is a cashier in a bank.
Note-
The indefinite articles are not used before plural nouns, proper nouns, abstract nouns,
uncountable and material nouns.
For example-
A dog is a faithful animal.
Dogs are faithful animals.
