English indefinite articles

What are indefinite articles?

Indefinite articles are used to introduce a noun or noun phrase. They indicate that the noun is a general or unknown one rather than a specific one. The indefinite articles are "a" and "an".

Indefinite articles examples

• Do you want a glass?
• I want to leave a tip.
• She needs an advice.
• We want to hire an assistant. 

The article "a"

The article "a" is placed in front of singular and countable nouns. We use this article prior nouns that begin with a consonant. It is often used prior professions, expressions of time, and to refer to what category or a family something or someone belongs to.  

Example:

• She is a bodyguard.
• I go there twice a month.
• Despite popular belief tomato is actually a fruit.
• He is a Getty, as far as I know. 

The article "an"

The article "an" as the article "a" is placed in front of singular and countable nouns. It is always used for something that is mentioned either for the first time or it is unknown to the speaker. It is used when the noun after it begins with a vowel or with a silent "h".

Example:

• Prince Harry's girlfriend is an American.
• It is an honor to present you to my partner. 
• I would love to visit an elephant sanctuary when I go to Thailand. 

Grammar exceptions

The general rule of the article "an" is that is used before words beginning with a vowel. However, there are several exceptions to the rule. When the noun begins with "u", "ew" and "eu" and the projected sound of it sounds like "you" we must use the article "a". The exception is also valid when the word "one" is placed prior the noun.

Example:

• She is a European. 
• I want to go to a university in France.
• You only need to book a one-way ticket.