Artlicles A/An.
by Miguel Angel Perez
1. Rule #1
1.1. The article A is used before singular, countable nouns which begin with consonant sounds.
1.1.1. He is a teacher.
1.1.2. She doesn't own a car.
1.1.3. I saw a bear at the zoo.
2. Rule #5
2.1. Use A before words such as "European" or "university" which sound like they start with a consonant even if the first letter is a vowel. Also use A before letters and numbers which sound like they begin with a consonant, such as "U", "J", "1" or "9". Remember, it is the sound not the spelling which is important. For example, "1" is spelled O-N-E; however, it is pronounced "won" like it starts with a "W".
2.1.1. She has a euro. Sounds like "yu-ro".
2.1.2. That number is a "1". Sounds like "won".
3. Rule #4
3.1. If there is an adjective or an adverb-adjective combination before the noun, A(AN) should agree with the first sound in the adjective or the adverb-adjective combination.
3.1.1. He is an excellent teacher.
3.1.2. I saw a really beautiful eagle at the zoo.
4. Rule #6
4.1. Use AN before words such as "hour" which sound like they start with a vowel even if the first letter is a consonant. Also use AN before letters and numbers which sound like they begin with a vowel, such as "F" or "8". Remember, it is the sound not the spelling which is important. For example, "F" is pronounced "eff" like it starts with an "E".
4.1.1. I only have an hour for lunch. Sounds like "au-er".
4.1.2. Does his name begin with an "F"? Sounds like "eff".
5. Rule #2
5.1. The article AN is used before singular, countable nouns which begin with vowel sounds
5.1.1. He is an actor.
5.1.2. She didn't get an invitation.
5.1.3. I saw an eagle at the zoo.
6. Rule #3
6.1. Remember that A(AN) means "one" or "a single". You cannot use A(AN) with plural nouns.
6.1.1. I saw a bears in Yellowstone National Park.
6.1.1.1. Not correct
6.1.2. I saw bears in Yellowstone National Park.
6.1.2.1. Correct
7. Concepts
7.1. Artlicle An
7.1.1. Use “an” with words that start with a vowel sound
7.2. Artlilce A
7.2.1. Use “a”, “and” only with singular noun