Articles A and An

Front

What is the difference between the articles 'a' and 'an'?

Back

The article 'a' is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

Front

When should you use 'a' before a noun?

Back

Use 'a' before singular nouns that begin with a consonant sound, such as 'a cat' or 'a book'.

Front

When should you use 'an' before a noun?

Back

Use 'an' before singular nouns that begin with a vowel sound, such as 'an octopus' or 'an elephant'.

Front

Provide an example of a noun that uses 'a'.

Back

A mango.

Front

Provide an example of a noun that uses 'an'.

Back

An apple.

Front

What is the rule for using 'a' or 'an' with acronyms?

Back

Use 'a' or 'an' based on the sound of the first letter of the acronym. For example, 'a UFO' (U sounds like 'you') and 'an FBI agent' (F sounds like 'eff').

Front

How do you determine whether to use 'a' or 'an' with the word 'hour'?

Back

Use 'an' because 'hour' begins with a vowel sound (the 'h' is silent).

Front

What article would you use before the word 'unicorn'?

Back

You would use 'a' because 'unicorn' begins with a 'yoo' sound.

Front

Is the article 'an' used before all vowel-starting words?

Back

No, 'an' is only used before vowel sounds, not all vowel-starting words. For example, 'an honor' (the 'h' is silent).

Front

What article would you use before the word 'university'?

Back

You would use 'a' because 'university' begins with a 'yoo' sound.