For Students
English Lessons
Cool Stuff
Advertisements
   
American English Grammar
Indefinite article
Learning objectives
  • Learn the definition of an indefinite article
  • Study examples of indefinite articles
Definition of an indefinite article
  • An indefinite article:

    • is the word "a", and the word "an" in English

    • indicates that the noun refers to a general thing (Sit on a chair) - means sit on any chair

    • is used as a synonym for the number one, as in "make a wish", "a hundred", "an apple" (an is an older spelling of "one")

    • is used to express a proportional relationship, such as "a dollar a day" or "$50 an ounce"

  • The following should be noted:

    • use "a" before a noun beginning with a consonant sound (a chair, a table)

    • use "an" before a noun beginning with a vowel sound (an apple, an orange)

Examples of indefinite articles
  • Sit on a chair (means any chair)

  • You want to eat an apple. (means any apple)

  • She wants to eat a banana. (means any banana)













Google
For Teachers
Job Boards
Job Stuff
Advertisements