A vs An. Using articles in English
A VS AN
| Rule 1: A | Rule 2: AN |
| The article A is used before singular, countable nouns that begin with consonant sounds
Mark visited a church. She bought a table. A rabbit is white. *Note There is a university here. |
The article AN is used before singular, countable nouns which begin with open vowel sounds.
He is an actor. She didn’t get an invitation. I saw an eagle at the zoo. It takes an hour to get here |
| Rule 3 : A(AN) | USE 4: A(AN) |
| A(AN) means “one” or “a single”. You cannot use A(AN) with plural nouns. I saw a bears in Yellowstone National Park. Not Correct I saw bears in Yellowstone National Park. Correct |
A(AN) should agree with the first sound in the adjective or the adverb-adjective combination. He is an excellent teacher. I saw a really beautiful eagle at the zoo |