When to Use A/An Before Singular Nouns

Use a/an for non-specific singular countable nouns: first mention, one of many, jobs, and examples.

beginner

When to Use

•When mentioning something for the first time: I saw a dog.
•When it is one of many: She bought a phone.
•When describing jobs and roles: He is an engineer.
•When giving an example: A good dictionary is helpful.
•With some meanings of one: I need a minute.

How to Form

Affirmative (+)

a/an + singular countable noun

Negative (-)

Do not use a/an with plural or uncountable nouns (use zero article or some).

Question (?)

Is it new/not specific and singular countable? If yes, use a/an.

💡 Use 'an' before vowel sounds and 'a' before consonant sounds. If you can’t make it plural, it may be uncountable and not take a/an.

Examples

✓I need a pen.

✗I need the pen. (if not specific)

Use a/an for a non-specific item.

✓He is an architect.

✗He is architect.

Jobs are singular countable nouns and usually need a/an.

✓A good night’s sleep helps you focus.

A/an can introduce a general example.

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

• Check: singular + countable + not specific → a/an.
• If the noun is uncountable, use a container/unit if needed: a cup of tea.
• Use a/an when introducing new nouns in stories.

articles-a-vs-an-vowel-sound-rule articles-first-mention-second-mention countable-uncountable

When to Use A/An Before Singular Nouns

Use a/an for non-specific singular countable nouns: first mention, one of many, jobs, and examples.

beginner

When to Use

•When mentioning something for the first time: I saw a dog.
•When it is one of many: She bought a phone.
•When describing jobs and roles: He is an engineer.
•When giving an example: A good dictionary is helpful.
•With some meanings of one: I need a minute.

How to Form

Affirmative (+)

a/an + singular countable noun

Negative (-)

Do not use a/an with plural or uncountable nouns (use zero article or some).

Question (?)

Is it new/not specific and singular countable? If yes, use a/an.

💡 Use 'an' before vowel sounds and 'a' before consonant sounds. If you can’t make it plural, it may be uncountable and not take a/an.

Examples

✓I need a pen.

✗I need the pen. (if not specific)

Use a/an for a non-specific item.

✓He is an architect.

✗He is architect.

Jobs are singular countable nouns and usually need a/an.

✓A good night’s sleep helps you focus.

A/an can introduce a general example.

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

• Check: singular + countable + not specific → a/an.
• If the noun is uncountable, use a container/unit if needed: a cup of tea.
• Use a/an when introducing new nouns in stories.

articles-a-vs-an-vowel-sound-rule articles-first-mention-second-mention countable-uncountable

When to Use A/An Before Singular Nouns

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

Related

When to Use A/An Before Singular Nouns

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

Related

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

✗I need a water.

✗She bought an new phone.

💡 Practice Tips

Related

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

✗I need a water.

✗She bought an new phone.

💡 Practice Tips

Related