ARTICLES

The indefinite articles in English are “a” and “an”. We use “a” and “an” only before a singular noun. When we use one of them, it tells us that the noun is not specific. The speaker talks about something in general, one of many or any one of that type of things. A and An have the same meaning. The difference depends on the sound at the beginning of the next word.

-           “a” when the next word starts with a consonant sound. Example: a lion.

-          “an” when the next word starts with a vowel sound. Example: an apple.

Be careful! The sound of the letter is important.

an uncle BUT a university

A few nouns begin with a vowel that has a consonant sound; for example, ‘university’ is pronounced with a ‘y’ sound so we have to use “a” when refer to these types of words.

a house BUT an hour

A few nouns begin with a silent (not pronounced) letter ‘h’ at the beginning of the word; for example, ‘hour’ and ‘honest’. We have to use “an” when refer to these kinds of words.

The definite article in English is “the”. We use “the” with a singular or plural noun when it is clear the thing or things we are talking about. It tells us that the noun is specific. The speaker talks about something in particular (or known), that has been mentioned before or unique.   

This rule applies to all words after A/AN or THE (including adjectives, adverbs…)