RULES OF INDEFINITE ARTICLES

RULES OF INDEFINITE ARTICLES

1. INDEFINITE ARTICLES

   • invariable
     • we use
       • a/an+count nouns
         • when
           • hearer/reader does not know exactly which one we are referring to

2. to show the person or thing is one of a group

3. depending on the first letter of the word

   • for
     • pronunciation reasons
       • A
         • the next word starts with a consonant
         • or
         • before words starting in u and eu when they sound like you
         • the letter h has a sound
       • AN
         • the next word starts with a vowel (a,e,i,o,u)
         • or
         • with a mute h.

4. to refer to something for the first time or to refer to the number “1”:

5. We do not use

   • an indefinite article with plural nouns and uncount nouns

6. We use a/an

   • with a
     • singular noun to say something about all things of that kind

7. the names of days of the week

   • when
     • not referring to any particular day

8. with singular nouns

   • after
     • the words 'what' and 'such':

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