Section 1 of 3
Using 'a / an' (Indefinite Article)
Use 'a' or 'an' when introducing something for the first time, or when referring to one of many. 'An' is used before vowel sounds.
✓ Rules
4- 1
Use 'a/an' when mentioning something for the first time or as one of many
— Second mention → use 'the'
- 2
Use 'an' before vowel sounds: an increase, an urban area, an hour, an MBA
- 3
Use 'a' before consonant sounds: a significant rise, a useful tool, a unique problem
- 4
Use 'a/an' with singular countable nouns when making generalisations
Examples
3Correct
The graph shows a sharp increase in 2010.
First mention of the increase
Correct
This is an effective solution to the problem.
'an' before vowel sound
Incorrect
A informations was provided.
Correct
Information was provided.
'information' is uncountable — no article needed for general use