A1 grammar lessons
A1 · Lesson 5
Articles a and an
Use a or an before one singular countable noun when you introduce it or describe a job, role or type of thing.
Learning goal
Choose a or an from the first sound of the next word.
12 minutes
Lesson plus a 10-question session
Articles a and an
What you'll learn
Use a or an before one singular countable noun.
- a book
- an apple
- a teacher
- an engineer
Start with these examples
- I have a brother.
- She is an artist.
- We need a taxi.
- He eats an orange every day.
The rule: listen to the sound
Use a before a consonant sound.
- a bag
- a phone
- a university
- a useful idea
Use an before a vowel sound.
- an apple
- an old house
- an engineer
- an hour
The first sound matters, not only the first letter.
- a university: university starts with a /j/ sound.
- an hour: the h is silent.
When do we use a/an?
Use a/an when the listener does not know exactly which person or thing you mean.
- I saw a dog in the park.
- She has an idea.
Use a/an with jobs and roles.
- My father is a driver.
- Sofia is an English teacher.
Do not use a/an with
- plural nouns:
a books✗ → books / some books - uncountable nouns:
an information✗ → some information
Common mistakes
an university→ a universitya apple→ an appleShe is teacher.→ She is a teacher.I have an two cats.→ I have two cats.
Quick check
- ___ bag → a bag
- ___ egg → an egg
- ___ useful book → a useful book
- ___ hour → an hour
Next step
Learn when to use the for a specific person or thing.
Prerequisites:Verb be: affirmative, negative and questions