Grammar: Articles
A1 Lesson 13: Using 'a' vs 'an'
The Basic Rule: It's All About Sound 🔊
We use the indefinite articles 'a' or 'an' to talk about one general thing. The rule is simple: the choice depends on the first sound of the next word.
Use "a"
...before a consonant sound (b, c, d, f, g...).
Use "an"
...before a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u...).
The Grammar Rules 📖
Using 'a' (before a consonant sound)
- a boat on the river
- a big market in Kampot
- a delicious durian
- a friendly person
- a yellow hotel
Using 'an' (before a vowel sound)
- an apple
- an egg for breakfast
- an interesting book
- an old building
- an umbrella
💡 Pro Tip: The Sound is Key!
Some words can be tricky. Don't look at the letter, listen to the sound.
The Letter 'u':
- It's an umbrella. (Starts with an 'uh' vowel sound)
- It's a university. (Starts with a 'yoo' consonant sound)
The Letter 'h':
- It's a house. (You can hear the 'h' sound)
- Wait for an hour. (The 'h' is silent; the word starts with an 'ow' vowel sound)
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise 1: Choose 'a' or 'an'
Choose the correct article for each noun or phrase.
- ___ orange → an
- ___ big dog → a
- ___ old moto → an
- ___ happy tourist → a
- ___ honest man → an (because 'h' is silent)
- ___ uniform → a (because 'u' sounds like 'yoo')
Exercise 2: Write the Correct Article
Write 'a' or 'an' in the space before each word.
- ___ island (an)
- ___ school (a)
- ___ amazing view (an)
- ___ pepper farm (a)
- ___ easy lesson (an)
Key Vocabulary
- Article A small word (like a, an, the) used before a noun.
- Indefinite General, not specific or exact.
- Consonant A speech sound like 'b', 't', or 'm'.
- Vowel A speech sound like 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', 'u'.
- Silent A letter that is written but not spoken.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Look around the room you are in right now. Find three different things. Say a sentence for each one using 'a' or 'an'.
Example: "I see a chair." "This is an exercise book."