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Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound. These words go before a singular countable noun, sometimes with an adjective between.
See it in everyday English
Hindi and Gujarati lines explain the meaning; they are not word-for-word pronunciation guides.
- a pencilएक पेंसिलએક પેન્સિલ
- an orangeएक संतराએક નારંગી
- an old bagएक पुराना बैगએક જૂની બેગ
Listen, then choose
Say an umbrella but a uniform. Umbrella starts with a vowel sound; uniform starts with a “yoo” sound. Say an hour because the h is silent.
Check the next word
We say a bag, but an empty bag. Empty is now the next word and starts with a vowel sound. For two or more objects, say two bags or some bags, without a or an.
A common mistake, gently fixed
Needs a change: an book
Try this: a book
Book begins with the consonant sound /b/.
Say it aloud
I have a notebook and an eraser. There is an orange in my bag.
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Your turn: Find three objects nearby. Say a or an before each one, then describe one with an adjective.
Try three questions
See answers and explanations
- an — Apple begins with a vowel sound.
- a — Useful starts with a “yoo” consonant sound.
- an — Listen to empty, the word immediately after the article.
Take it to your notebook
Eight different questions, a short writing task and an answer key for this topic.
Read more about the rule
British Council: articles. The examples and exercises here are original; the reference provider does not endorse this website.
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