8th Class English Articles Indefinite Articles 'A and an'

   Introduction

Definition: "A", "an" and "the" are known as articles. There are two types of articles:

(i) Indefinite Articles- a and an

(ii) Definite Article - the  

   Indefinite Articles 'A and an'

Definition: A and An are indefinite articles because they refer to any person, animal thing or place.  

       Use of A

(i)           'A' is used before a word which starts with a consonant.  

• There is a girl in the class.
• My sister is a teacher.
• I saw a baby crying.
• I The girl has a toy.

In the above given sentences, 'a' is used before a word which starts from a consonant and sounds like a consonant.  

(ii)          'A" is also used before a word that starts with vowels but sounds like a consonant.

 The camel is a useful animal.

• He reads in a university.
• Steve is a European.
• It was a one sided game.

In the above given sentences, 'a' is used before a word which starts from a vowel but sounds like a consonant.  

        Use of 'an'

(i)           'An' is used before a word which starts from a vowel.

• He is an old man.
• He has an ink pot.
• Mr. Clinton is an American.
• He bought an egg and an umbrella.

In the above given sentences, 'an' is used before a word which starts from a vowel and sounds like a vowel.  

(ii)          'An' is also used before words that start with consonants but sound like vowels.

• He will come within an hour.
• He is an honest man.
• I met an M.P. who frequently visits his constituency.
• An M.L.A. can provide funds for the development work.

In the above given sentences, 'an' is used before a word which starts from a consonant but sounds like a vowel.  

Points to keep in mind

• A and An are always used with singular nouns.
• A is used before a word which starts with a consonant sound.
• An is used before a word which starts with a vowel sound.