Grammar: ✨ Grammar F: 🧩 Parts of Speech - Basics (A1) - Lesson 13: Indefinite Articles 'a' vs 'an'

Lesson 13: Indefinite Articles 'a' vs 'an'

In English, we often use small words called articles¹ before nouns. Today, we will learn how to use the two indefinite² articles: a and an.

We use 'a' or 'an' to talk about one general thing, not something specific. The most important rule is that the choice depends on the sound³ of the next word.

Using 'a' (before a consonant sound)

We use a before words that start with a consonant⁴ sound. (Sounds like b, c, d, f, g, h, k, p, t...)

• 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)

We use an before words that start with a vowel⁵ sound. (Sounds like a, e, i, o, u...)

• an apple
• an egg for breakfast
• an interesting book
• an old building
• an umbrella

Special Cases: The Sound is Key!

Some words can be tricky. Always listen to the first sound of the word.

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 silent⁶; the word starts with an 'ow' vowel sound)

Practice Quiz: Choose 'a' or 'an'

Choose the correct article for each noun or phrase.

1. ___ orange → an
2. ___ big dog → a
3. ___ old moto → an
4. ___ happy tourist → a
5. ___ honest man → an (because 'h' is silent)
6. ___ uniform → a (because 'u' sounds like 'yoo')

Homework: Write the Correct Article

Write 'a' or 'an' in the space before each word.

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1. _____ island

2. _____ school

3. _____ amazing view

4. _____ pepper farm

5. _____ easy lesson

(Answers: 1. an, 2. a, 3. an, 4. a, 5. an)

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Article: (Noun) - គុណកនាម - A small word (like a, an, the) that is used before a noun to identify it. ↩
2. Indefinite: (Adjective) - មិនកំណត់ - General, not specific or exact. ↩
3. Sound: (Noun) - សំឡេង - Something that you can hear. ↩
4. Consonant: (Noun) - ព្យញ្ជនៈ - A speech sound like 'b', 't', or 'm'. Most letters are consonants. ↩
5. Vowel: (Noun) - ស្រៈ - A speech sound like 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', 'u'. ↩
6. Silent: (Adjective) - មិនបន្លឺសំឡេង - A letter that is written but not spoken or pronounced. ↩