The English language has what we call articles, and they can either be definite or indefinite. A definite article refers to a specific object or particular nouns, while an indefinite article refers to non-specific objects or non-particular nouns. The is a definite article and a and an are indefinite articles. A and an are two words that some individuals may have a hard time using in a sentence. Some people do not know when to use them. Let us define these two articles and see how we can use them.
Definitions
When do we use a or an? These articles are used for singular nouns, and the usage is dependent on the noun or word that comes after it.
An is used when the next word starts with a vowel or has a vowel sound. Vowels are a, e, i, o and u.
Examples:
- An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
- It is an unusual project.
- Did you buy an umbrella?
- Venice was excited to see an elephant.
- I need an envelope to carry all the documents!
This next example may have a consonant as the first letter of the word, but the sound is that of a vowel.
- I waited an hour for you to show up.
- I waited an hour for you to show up.
- Aaron wants an honest answer.
A is used when the next word starts with a consonant or has a consonant sound. Consonants are b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y and z.
Examples:
- A girl kept looking for you yesterday.
- The decision was not a good one.
- Johan is a respiratory therapist.
- She gave him a dog as a gift.
- A doctor can help you with that.
These next two examples have vowels as the first letter of the word, but the sounds are that of a consonant.
- She met a European the other week and she’s smitten with him.
- Their love story began at a university.
The beginning of the words European and university sounds like “yoo.”
A vs An
What is the difference between the two articles a and an? The difference between the two articles is straightforward and distinct. An is used before a vowel or a vowel-sounding word, while a is used before a consonant or a consonant-sounding word.
If you ever find yourself stuck or confused, just ask if the noun starts with a vowel or consonant. Take note too that a and an are only used with singular nouns. You cannot use them with possessive pronouns, demonstratives or cardinal numbers.
Comparison Chart
A | An |
Indefinite article | Indefinite article |
For singular nouns | For singular nouns |
Used when the next word begins with a consonant or a consonant sound | Used when the next word begins with a vowel or a vowel sound |