The indefinite article helps us talk about something that is not already known or mentioned. It can mean “one” or “any” and is always used with singular nouns.
Using “a” and “an”
- Use a before words that begin with a consonant sound.
- Use an before words that begin with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u).
- The choice depends on sound, not just the first letter (e.g., an hour, a university).
Which indefinite article should be used before the phrase 'hour-long meeting'?
an
The 'h' in 'hour' is silent, so it starts with a vowel sound. Therefore, we use 'an'.
Examples
| English Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| a cat | a general cat, not a specific one |
| an apple | any apple, not a particular one |
| a university | the word university starts with a “yu” sound, which is a consonant |
| an hour | the “h” is silent, so the word starts with a vowel sound |
| a dog | one dog, not a specific dog |
| an elephant | any elephant, not a particular one |
Summary
The indefinite article in English is a or an. Use “a” before consonant sounds and “an” before vowel sounds. It is used with singular countable nouns to indicate any one item or person, not something specific.
Flashcards (1 of 6)
- Explanation: a general cat, not a specific one
- English Example: a cat
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
