Articles: “a” “an” in English Grammar | Part 1

Articles: “a” “an”

Part 1 English Grammar Lesson

Series on Articles in English Grammar

Part 1: “a” “an”
Part 2: “the”
Part 3: Using NO article in English | Speaking Generally

Introduction

Articles (“a”, “an” and “the”) can be difficult for the English student to master, especially if articles don’t appear in the first language. If you review these basic rules and practice, you can improve your use of articles.

Let’s start with a sentence.

“The teacher assigned a book to read.”

There are two articles in this sentence, “the” and “a”.

Now, why did I say “a book” instead of “the book“? What’s the difference in meaning?

Here, I said “a book” because I was talking about:

• a single book (just one);

• and

• I know that you don’t know which book it is.

“The teacher assigned a book to read.”

The article “a”

• use with a non-specific noun; or
• when you have never talked about that noun before with the listener.

So, in the sentence:

“The teacher assigned a book to read.”

the listener doesn’t know which book was assigned, and it doesn’t really matter yet which specific book was assigned. It’s just one, non-specific book. What’s important is that is must be read.

Let’s practice sentences with the indefinite article. Notice how I stress and de-stress certain words, and how I connect my speech.

Listen and Repeat

“I bought a bike today!”
“A good idea is all I need to start a new business.”
“I took a workshop on web design last week.”
“I’m thinking about getting a dog.”

The article “an”

Use “an” instead of “a” before a word that starts with a vowel or a vowel sound.

Because “an” ends with a consonant and the following word begins with a vowel, remember to connect your speech (C+V).

Let’s practice.

Listen and Repeat

“I bought an iPhone® today.”
“An idea is worth nothing without action.”
“An hour of studying a day is all it takes to improve your English!”

Note: The “h” in “hour” is silent [ÆUW wɚr], so “hour” starts in a vowel sound .

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Series on Articles in English Grammar

Part 1: “a” “an”
Part 2: “the”
Part 3: Using NO article in English | Speaking Generally

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